Pakistan may have had a rich fast-bowling history, but the country’s sides have had their fair share of world-class spinners from time to time. Former Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal made his debut against India in the Asia Cup 2008. He impressed many fans with his performances but could only play 35 Tests, 113 ODIs, and 64 T20Is due to suspect action. Now, Ajmal has revealed that before his debut he was told that this is his first and last match. However, this did not happen, he played further.
Ajmal has revealed that he endured a significantly tough debut in 2008, where he was told that it would be his “first and the last” match. Ajmal had earlier spoken about how the then Pakistan chief selector had said that he could play out the spinner in the nets without being dismissed.
“I got my first match against India. Before my debut, I was told that this would be my first and last match. They said that if I performed well, I would play and if I don’t do well, I won’t. And the match was against India; the entire world watches that game,” Ajmal was quoted as saying
‘I didn’t bowl the doosra’- Saeed Ajmal
The former spinner had made his debut against India in the Asia Cup in July 2008, and registered figures of 1/47 in 10 overs in an ODI, taking the wicket of Yusuf Pathan.
Noting how he battled cramps to complete his spell against India, the former spinner said: “When I went inside, I faced cramps. Misbah was the captain, and he told me I had to do overs in the powerplay. I said that I’m having cramps, give me overs now and let me leave. He replied, ‘what are you saying? I have to give you overs in the end.”
“I had more cramps. I bowled my first five overs and did well. I didn’t bowl the doosra. I contained runs. Then, I bandaged myself, bowled three to four overs and faced cramps again,” he added.
