WORCESTERSHIRE director of cricket Steve Rhodes has thrown his support behind Saeed Ajmal and is hoping the Pakistan star can return to New Road.

Saeed is undergoing remedial work to his bowling after being banned from international cricket for a suspect action reported during Pakistan’s tour of Sri Lanka.

The 36-year-old spinner took 63 wickets in nine LV= County Championship Division Two matches for Worcestershire in 2014 as they were promoted.

Rhodes said: “Saeed has got to take one thing at a time and at the moment he’s got to be re-tested.

“Hopefully, he passes and then he gets back to playing and that’s when we can pick up the pieces.

“We want him to be playing for us. This is a really tough time for him and we support him in his efforts to get back to playing cricket.

“He’s a very determined character and if anyone can get back, then he can.

“It won’t be easy and he’s well aware of that but hopefully, if we can get him back playing for Worcestershire again, then he’s a terrific bowler and will be a help to us getting some victories.”