Saeed Ajmal to return to Worcestershire

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes has confirmed that Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal will rejoin the county ahead of the 2014 season.

The 36-year-old previously played at New Road in 2011, taking 16 wickets in eight Friends Life T20 appearances.

Rhodes said: "Saeed fitted in to the dressing room fantastically well in 2011 and his experience at the highest level can only be a massive boost to our young squad.

"To sign a world-class player of Saeed's quality shows the stature the club has in the world of cricket and demonstrates the county's determination to challenge for honours in 2014."

Ajmal added: "I'm looking forward to returning to New Road for what I hope will be an extended stay.

"My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our short time in Worcester during 2011 and I hope to be able to contribute to a successful 2014 campaign."

Ajmal is current ranked as the world's top ODI bowler by the ICC. Meanwhile, he is listed as the fourth-best Test bowler, behind Rangana Herath, Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn.