ISLAMABAD — Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has recovered from a suspected hernia scare and lost five kilograms in weight to prepare for next month's Champions Trophy in England. The 35-year-old Ajmal felt pain in his lower abdomen after Pakistan's series against South Africa in March. “I am fine now, but I will go for another checkup when the team goes to England,” Ajmal said in the northern town of Abbottabad where Pakistan is training for the one-day tournament. “I have also reduced weight and have cleared the fitness test.” The training camp has been set up in the much cooler weather of Abbottabad so that Pakistan can get used to possible weather conditions in England. “It's a good thing to have camp here because there is bounce in pitches — similar to the ones we likely get in England,” Ajmal said. Ajmal, who has 125 ODI wickets at an average of 22.69 runs, often surprises batsman with his ‘doosra' — a delivery that spins away from the right-handed batsman. Unlike at the last World Twenty20 in Sri Lanka, where Ajmal had warned batsmen of another mystery delivery, the off-spinner said he won't be trying anything new in England. “There will be no new variety and I am working hard on the varieties I already have in my armory,” he said. Pakistan is in Group B along with West Indies, South Africa and arch-rival India. Defending champion Australia, England, New Zealand and Sri Lanka form Group A. Ajmal thinks spinners could play an important role in the Champions Trophy although he won't be surprised if the wickets are tailor-made for batsmen in England. — AP
