Saeed Ajmal 'Not a Spent Force' for Pakistan, Feels Worcestershire Coach Matt Mason

Pakistan's star off-spinner Saeed Ajmal might have made a horrible return to international cricket a few month back following his ban over an illegal action but the 37-year-old is doing wonders in England's LV= County Championship.

Ajmal bagged eight wickets in the match, including five in an innings, to lead Worcestershire to a crushing victory over Hampshire -- by an innings and 33 runs -- on Friday.

Worcestershire bowling coach Matt Mason heaped praise on Ajmal following his match-winning performance.

"Credit to Saeed. Not only did he remodel his action, he found out new ways of getting people out. He would like to let the people not only in Worcester, but also back in Pakistan cricket, that he is not a spent force in cricket," Mason said. (PCB Returns Seven Million Rupees to Shoaib Akhtar)

Ajmal was banned in September last year. He took every step to correct his action and finally got his clearance from ICC in March. The 37-year-old had even pulled out World Cup selection earlier this year, fearing another scrutiny and perhaps a premature end to his career.

Ajmal made a return to ODI cricket in April but it was a nightmare as he recorded his career-worst figures of none for 72 in 10 overs in the first of a three-match series against Bangladesh. The Tigers went on to create history by recording a whitewash against the 1992 World Cup winners.

But Mason feels Ajmal's return to international may have been a "bit too soon."

"When he returned to their side, I'm sure it was probably a little bit too soon. He will get great confidence if he keeps bowling like that for us and hopefully the selectors back there are watching for him because I'm sure he still wants to play international cricket," Mason added. (Inzamam-ul-Haq Hails Pakistan's 'Historic' Test Series Win vs Sri Lanka)