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The Pakistan cricket team might be having a hard time finding a replacement for its banned off-spinner Saeed Ajmal, but Australian opening batsman Chris Rogers has admitted that he felt “elated” when he learnt that the 36-year-old off-spinner had been banned from bowling last month.
The 37-year old left hander is slated to open the innings with David Warner in the two match Test series vs Pakistan in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Eoin Morgan claims Ajmal ruined his Test career
Rogers, who had a tough time negotiating the off-spin of Graeme Swann in last year’s Ashes series in England, said he would have found it difficult to face Ajmal. He also added that having spoken to England middle-order batsman and fellow team mate at Middlesex Eoin Morgan, he now understands the impact a bowler like Ajmal can have on a batsman’s career. He has also expressed his pleasure over the ICC’s crackdown on illegal actions.
"You can't have a guy who is exceeding the rules, or not playing to the rules, who's affecting other people's careers. And that's what it comes down to. I played with Eoin Morgan, and he's a tremendous player of spin, but he still says Ajmal ruined his Test career,“ Rogers said.
"When I heard that news [of Ajmal's suspension], I was pretty elated for about 48 hours. I had my own troubles with Graeme Swann, so I didn't know how I was going to go against Ajmal. That might prolong my Test career a little bit longer,” the Victorian went on to add.
Rogers excited by UAE tour
The opener, who made his Test Debut against India in 2008, but played his 2nd Test five years later, is now an important cog in the Australian Test setup and could well play a key role when Australia defend the coveted urn next year in England.
"It's going to be a fantastic tour. I've spoken to the England guys about the UAE and they love it. It's going to be hard work with the heat obviously, and my white skin. But I'll get through, and a couple of big scores on some flat tracks would be nice." he said.
