The Adelaide Strikers have signed the world’s best T20 bowler, with Pakistani specialist Saeed Ajmal confirmed today as the team’s third international player.
Ajmal is the leading bowler in both one day and T20 international rankings, and the top ranked spinner in Test cricket in his native Pakistan.
A modern-day off-spinner who relies on the doosra as much as other variations of flight and speed, Ajmal bamboozled the Australian batting line-up at this year’s Australia v Pakistan tournament in the United Arab Emirates in September.
He has a current T20I strike rate of 15.4, with a best innings return of 4/19. His ODI form is equally impressive, with a strike rate of 33.6, with a best of 5/43.
Adelaide Strikers’ coach Darren “Chuck” Berry said Ajmal was a clever cricketer, capable of dominating batsmen with his off-spin and doosra combinations.
“We know what this guy is capable of, having seen him run through both the Australian and English batsmen a couple of months ago, so to have him on board is a great result for the Strikers,” Berry said.
Ajmal will be available for the first Strikers match against the Perth Scorchers on December 9, 2012, and then return for the tail end of the season if required. He has been signed as the third international player, to cover the absence of Kieron Pollard, who will miss the first match of this year’s KFC T20 Big Bash League in Perth.
Speaking from Pakistan, Ajmal said he could not wait to get to Adelaide and be a part of BBL|02.
“I am really excited about playing for the Adelaide Strikes and really happy that I will get the chance to show my talent in BBL|02,” he said.
“I am very keen to meet up with the rest of the boys soon and play my best in the games that I am available, with the hope that Adelaide make the final stages and I can return to help win the competition.”
Berry also announced two extra signings today, with West End Redbacks’ wicket-keeper Tim Ludeman, 25, and Queensland right arm spinner Cameron Boyce, 23, named as Strikers.
“Ludeman is the form gloveman in the domestic competition, picking up scores of 79 and 85 so far. He has been in great shape behind the stumps, so we believe in rewarding him for his form,” he said.
“Cam Boyce is a promising young leg spinner who will turn it away from the right handed batsmen, and is an exciting addition to our spinning options.”