Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net from Karachi, Pakistani off spinner Saeed Ajmal stated that he was quite satisfied with his performance during the recently concluded tour of Sri Lanka. "There was a lot of extra pressure on me as it was my test debut series.

15th August 2009

by Saj Sadiq

Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net from Karachi, Pakistani off spinner Saeed Ajmal stated that he was quite satisfied with his performance during the recently concluded tour of Sri Lanka.

"There was a lot of extra pressure on me as it was my test debut series. I took 14 wickets at 30.07 which isnt too bad against a team that plays spin very well and were playing in conditions that they were familiar with" said Ajmal.

Saeed continued "The third test was very frustrating as the heavy roller used on the last day just seemed to flatten the pitch and it became lifeless. There was no spin, no pace and no extra bounce, unlike the first innings when it was very lively and assisted Danish and I".

When asked whether Saeed had exchanged any advice with legendary off spinner Muttiah Muralidaran during the tour of Sri Lanka, Saeed stated "yes we had a few chats, it was interesting and useful to talk to a great bowler like Murali. I asked him about some of his newer deliveries and his methods behind those deliveries. We talked about the importance of varying the flight and the pace of deliveries and he was particularly interested in my Doosra and wanted to see how I bowled it and my grip when I bowled that delivery".

Saeed who took 8 wickets in the one day series and Twenty/20 matches in the tour to Sri Lanka further added "I'm looking forward to a nice 2 week rest and some time with my family before the training camps and trial matches start for the Champions Trophy. Its a busy season ahead for Pakistan with the Champions Trophy, matches against New Zealand and Australia and then a tour of England next year where we will play against Australia and England so its important to fit in some rest".

Saeed who is proving to be Mr consistent in the Pakistan side, when asked about Afridi's captaincy in the Twenty/20 international stated "He did a very good job, he continued the good work that Younis Khan has done and there was a very good team spirit in the camp. Afridi was very positive and very helpful to all of the players".