Gooch seeks to play down Ajmal's mystery delivery

Saeed Ajmal wants to unveil the delivery in the three-Test series, but Graham Gooch said it will be a good challenge.He (Ajmal) is the top wicket-taker of 2011 in Test cricket, so its going to be a good challenge for us, said Gooch of Pakistans off-spinner who took 50 wickets last year.Ajmal threw the first dice ahead of the first Test against England starting here from January by revealing that he has a special mystery delivery which he will unveil against England.But Gooch said it was not a concern.Well wait and see (about the special delivery). Saying one thing and doing it are two different things in my book. I am always a little bit cynical, said Gooch.I played against Shane Warne most of his career, the greatest spin bowler Ive ever played against. Hed always come up with Ive got this ball - the zooter, said Gooch of the master Australian spinner who took 708 Test wickets.So what is this ball, the zooter - its the ball that just goes straight on actually, if I remember rightly.Its all a little bit of smoke and mirrors, isnt it, Gooch said. Just remember, you dont play the bowler and what he says; you play the ball that comes out of his hand.Gooch also played down Englands unimpressive batting in the two tour games.England were restricted to 185-8 and managed 261-7 during their hard fought three-wicket win in a three-day match against an ICC Combined XI and were also unimpressive with 269-9 declared against Pakistan Cricket Board XI on Wednesday.I dont have concerns. But everyone would like to spend time in the middle, and if they miss out they might feel theyre a little bit short on confidence but youve got to believe in yourself, think back to when youve done well.England were lifted by Alastair Cooks defiant 133 on Wednesday, and Gooch praised the opener.Hes come up with some runs in a part of the world where its a bit slow and youve got to get into the tempo of the play and work a bit harder for your runs. Hes been a bit of a rock for England in the recent past, and he wants to carry on - as do all the other players.Gooch said Pakistan will pose tough challenges.We know the challenges ahead, and Pakistan are a very talented side. Theyve had some very good results recently, and its going to be tough cricket over here. Well need to be at our best to win this series. --AFP