England tour of United Arab Emirates 2012

Saeed Ajmal is a chucker: Bob Willis

Former England captain Bob Willis has accused Saeed Ajmal's bowling action after Pakistani spinner has rattled the England batting line-up in the first innings of the opening Test.

Former England captain Bob Willis has accused Saeed Ajmal's bowling action after Pakistani spinner has rattled the England batting line-up in the first innings of the opening Test.

The number one Test side England were bowled out on 192 on Tuesday as Ajmal took a career-best seven for 55.

‘The problem I have is with the doosra,’ said Willis. ‘Why do all these bowlers bowl with their sleeves buttoned around their wrists? Why aren’t they wearing short-sleeved shirts? The answer is clear. They are bending their elbows. 

‘The authorities are now allowing these mystery spinners, unorthodox off-spinners, to bend their elbows to a degree. If they are going to be allowed to do this England should be saying, “Shouldn’t we be teaching our young spinners to bowl like that as well?”’

The slow motion replays was suggesting that Ajmal bent his arm by as much as 35 degrees, 20 more than the legal limit, for few deliveries he bowled on Tuesday.

‘I’m just concentrating on my bowling. It’s the responsibility of the umpires and the referee to decide whether there is any problem with my action. I have no issue with anyone raising this. I have bowled all round the world, including in county cricket, without any problems.’ Saeed Ajmal said.