For Saeed Ajmal, there is always room for improvement.

The off-spinner, currently rated the best in the business, has been the country’s trump card in the past few series and he has not let the team down.
As the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy looms, the master off-spinner has decided to learn new variations as he represents his department ZTBL in the ongoing President’s Cup One-Day domestic tournament.

Ajmal feels it has become a need of the hour for spinners to introduce variety after the one-day rule changes that have affected slow bowlers the most.
Recently, Pakistan’s highest wicket-taking leg-spinner in ODIs, Shahid Afridi, who is struggling with the ball, lamented the new ODI rules were affecting the efficacy of all spin bowlers in the world.

Although Ajmal has enjoyed a comfortable time since the new rules came into place, securing 16 wickets from eight matches during the series against India and South Africa, he echoed Afridi’s grievance.

It’s right. The rule changes have hit spinners the most,” Ajmal told The Express Tribune. “It’s not easy to manage with just four fielders outside the circle because spinners can be hit at will. The rule of two new balls in an innings is also a difficult one.”

‘Solution is new variations’

However, the spinner said he respected the ICC’s decision and added that the changes just meant a harder challenge.“I am having a better run comparatively but I am still looking at ways to cope with the change. What I am doing is learning new variations which might be affective with the current playing conditions,” said the off spinner — master at the ‘doosra’ and ‘teesra’

“Our next main task is the Champions Trophy and it will be another difficult test for the spinners.“I want to be effective despite the rule changes for which I am working hard. This is the last edition of the Champions Trophy and we want to make an impact in this tournament.”

Ajmal said he was not satisfied with his overall show during the tour of South Africa, saying his performance has now made him desperate to improve his show in the forthcoming tournament.

“It was a tough tour and I learnt a lot from the experience. Although, I took wickets there, I am not fully satisfied with my performance.
“My aim is to continue as the number one bowler for one more year for which I’ll have to work hard.”

He appreciated the board’s decision to prepare England-like pitches for the training camp in Abbottabad, saying it will help the team in preparing for the Champions Trophy.

Recovering well from pain in lower abdomen

Meanwhile, Ajmal, who is suffering from pain in the lower abdomen, said he was recovering.The spinner, who was told last week that he does not require surgery, was also suggested to get a second opinion from specialists in England.