Ajmal set for Pears debut

Worcestershire are confident Saeed Ajmal will be able to make his debut against Warwickshire on Friday.

Spinner's visa issues have been sorted out

Pakistan spinner Saeed Ajmal is set to make his belated Worcestershire debut in in Friday's Twenty20 clash with local rivals Warwickshire at Edgbaston. Ajmal had originally been scheduled to link up with the Royals on June 5 after Pakistan's tour of the West Indies. But delays in processing his visa mean he has only just obtained clearance to fly to England. "The visa is sorted and we are hoping Saeed will be here for Friday's game (with Warwickshire)," said Worcestershire chief executive David Leatherdale. "We are excited about what he can do for us after a successful tour of the West Indies.

Control

"He will give us control in the County Championship and something different in Twenty20 cricket." Ajmal returned 5-82 against England at Edgbaston last summer and had two five-wicket hauls in the Windies. He will stay with the Royals until at least the end of August although he could miss the climax of the season as Pakistan have to tour Zimbabwe. Ajmal will link up with Bangladesh skipper and fellow spinner Shakib Al Hasan at New Road. He replaces Australian all-rounder Damien Wright, who was Worcestershire's overseas player for the first two months of the campaign.