THERE isn’t a lot of loyalty in sport but Worcestershire have demonstrated it in spades over Saeed Ajmal.

The County’s desire to re-sign the Pakistan spinner was hardly a secret and confirmation of his return for the 2015 season wasn’t a surprise.

But a lot has been staked on the remodelled bowling action of the 37-year-old and Worcestershire will be hoping their faith is repaid.

For, like it or not, there is an element of a gamble here. Although Saeed has reportedly bowled 12,000 balls in trying to make his action legal, the true test will be in the heat of battle.

Whether all his hard work has become embedded in muscle memory is something we’ll only know when he plays a competitive match.

However, these concerns are offset by the fact Worcestershire have a genuine world-class talent in their dressing room.

Even if the County only have Saeed for half of the campaign, as looks the case at the moment, they will see that as good value.

They believe in him and who am I to doubt that?

After all, he is still ranked as the leading bowler in one-day internationals, despite only having the ban imposed on him in September lifted last month.

While Steve Rhodes’ side’s promotion to LV= County Championship Division One was far from reliant on Saeed, the spinner’s impact on their youthful squad cannot be underestimated.

On top of taking 63 wickets, his experience and presence behind the scenes was of huge value and no doubt will be again.

Crucially, Saeed wants to be at Worcestershire. He has spoken before of his fondness for the city and club and that has endeared him to supporters.

During his enforced exile, he has only ever had good things to say about those at New Road and how they stood by him.

That knowledge must have been a motivating factor in his quest to get his bowling action sorted following his suspension.

Now he has been cleared to play, Saeed seems more determined than ever to be a success and prove Worcestershire were right to remain loyal.