SAEED Ajmal has launched his third spell with Worcestershire, and skipper Daryl Mitchell is hopeful the spinner “will be a valuable asset in all forms of the game again”.

Ajmal has linked up with the county for an initial five-week period until July 7, although it could be extended depending on his international call-ups for Pakistan.

The 37-year-old took 63 LV= County Championship wickets in nine matches last season to help Worcestershire to promotion.

Ajmal has since remodelled his action after a ban from international cricket but Mitchell hopes he will remain a force to be reckoned with.

Captain Mitchell, 31, said: “Saeed is a proven world-class performer. It will be interesting to see how the remodelled action goes but I’m told he still bowls all his deliveries.

“I’ve been looking forward to having Saeed in our team.

“He is a great guy to have in our dressing room and, despite having to remodel his action, he has still got the same thing between his ears, has got those great experiences and he knows situations in cricket.

“Saeed knows how and where to bowl and how to suss batsmen out. I’m sure he will be a valuable asset in all forms again.

“He has thoroughly enjoyed his two stints here. I know that for a fact and he will want to win and perform. There is absolutely no doubt about that.

“In his past spells here, he has worked as hard as anyone else in the nets and I’m sure he will continue to do that. He will be a great asset to our squad no doubt.”