Mohammad Amir can still become the best bowler in the world despite serving a five-year ban for spot-fixing, believes the Pakistani Test captain Misbah-ul-haq.
The Left-arm fast bowler Amir, 24, is all set to make his return to Test cricket next month against England at Lord’s, the same venue where 6 year’s ago his stirring career came to a shuddering halt. However, Misbah believes Amir, who was one of the hottest properties in world cricket at the time of his ban, has lost none of his skill.
“If you look at his bowling speed, swing and control –- it’s there,” said Misbah at Hampshire’s Rose Bowl ground near Southampton, where Pakistan were training Monday.
“He can still be the best bowler in the world,” he added ahead of Pakistan’s opening three-day tour match against Somerset at Taunton starting Sunday.
“Whatever form of the game he has played since his comeback, he has done well,” said the skipper batsman Misbah of Amir, who in his 14 Tests before his ban took 51 wickets at an average of 29.09 apiece.
“He knows he is under pressure but he is handling it well, this is a good chance for him to come here, the place where he had those problems, and show the world he is there to perform and deliver for the team. It is a chance to win back all his fans. It’s a great opportunity and he’s working hard.” The Pakistan captain insisted.
As for Amir receiving a potentially hostile reception from English spectators especially the Lord’s crowd, Misbah said: “It might happen –- you can always hear voices. The best way to go is to concentrate on your skills and your duties and Amir has to focus on his game and what he has to do. He is doing well.”
Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur also came in support of Amir and said he had been impressed by Amir’s attitude since taking charge of the side just over a month ago.
“His training has been excellent, he’s fitted back into the team exceptionally well,” said Arthur.
“It’s up to me and the coaching staff to make him the best he can possibly be in these conditions,” explained Arthur, who previously coached two high profile teams Australia and South Africa.
“We all understand he’s going to be under the microscope and he realises that too. The way he’s trying to handle that is to let his performances do the talking.”
This is Pakistan’ first full of tour of England since the controversial and infamous 2010 visit.