Pakistan's Ajmal signs for Hampshire
LONDON, Dec 22 (AFP) - English county Hampshire said on Friday that
they have secured the services of Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal next
season as a two-month replacement for Australia Twenty20 skipper George
Bailey.
The 35-year-old Ajmal, who has taken 122 wickets in 23 Tests and was
instrumental in Pakistan's win over England in the United Arab Emirates
earlier this year, will play in August and September when Bailey joins
Australia's limited-overs squad.
Bailey is likely to be involved in Australia's T20 internationals
against visitors England.
"I am very pleased to be joining Hampshire to play in the County
Championship," said Ajmal, who has previously turned out for
Worcestershire in the 2011 campaign. "I have always enjoyed playing in
England and look forward to playing my part in helping Hampshire get
promoted," he added in a statement on the club's website ageasbowl.com
The southern English county start next season in the second division.
The arrival of Ajmal - described by Hampshire manager Giles Smith as
"one of the best bowlers in the world in all forms of the game - will be
vital if young left-arm spinner Danny Briggs is also involved in the
England-Australia ODIs.
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