Ajmal sets sights on Test cap

Karachi:

After his spectacular performance in the World Twenty20, off-spinner Saeed Ajmal says he is now aiming to fulfill his lifelong ambition of earning a Test cap in the upcoming series against Sri Lanka.

The 31-year-old has taken eight wickets in 10 one-day internationals and another 13 in eight World Twenty20, including 12 in the recent World Cup in England.

"Winning the T20 World Cup was a big moment for me and the rest of the players but I am looking forward to the challenge of playing Test cricket in Sri Lanka. Hopefully conditions there would lead to my selection in the playing eleven," Ajmal said.

Ajmal, whose "Doosra" delivery came under the ICC scanner, said he was always sure of his action being within the prescribed limits.

"But I was always confident that my bowling action was within the ICC prescribed limits and I would be cleared."

Ajmal, who made his debut against India last year in the Asia Cup, credited his versatility to inspiration he took from former Pakistan great Saqlain Mushtaq.

"I learnt a lot after watching him bowl and studying his videos. I think he was the best exponent of the 'Doosra' and mixed it up really well with his normal deliveries," Ajmal said.

"Saqlain inspired me a lot although I also closely watch Muttiah Muralitharan who is another great bowler," he added.