Saeed Ajmal to deliver for Adelaide Strikers

Pakistan's No. 1 spinner Saeed Ajmal has signed with the Adelaide Strikers for the Twenty20 Big Bash League. He will be available for the Strikers' first match, against the Perth Scorchers, and may then return for the latter stages of the tournament.

Ajmal's signature represents a significant addition to the Strikers and the BBL, his spinning variations having teased and confused batsmen the world over in recent times, not least those of Australia.

"I am really excited about playing for the Adelaide Strikers and really happy that I will get the chance to show my talent in the BBL," Ajmal 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."

The Strikers coach Darren Berry said he was delighted to have signed Ajmal, the latest example of his policy of using spin as an attacking weapon on dry surfaces at Adelaide Oval.

"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.

Adelaide have also signed the South Australia wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman and the Queensland legspinner Cameron Boyce.