Mumbai: One must have remembered those tough days of Pakistani fast-bowler Mohammad Amir when his career saw an abrupt break. It was a ban imposed upon him for five-year in view of spot-fixing, a bitter SCANDAL.
Now, when ban has been lifted up and he is enjoying his tenth month of return in international cricket, selectors have observed Pakistan’s current leading pacer’s progress. This has elevated him in player’s squad for New Zealand Test series.
On Monday, the left-arm fast bowler said he was gaining rhythm with each match and looks forward to next month’s tour of New Zealand followed by a trip to Australia.
“Five years is a long period so I am gaining my rhythm and I am looking forward to trips to New Zealand and Australia. I Have been to both countries earlier and pitches there help fast bowlers,” Amir told reporters.
The 24-year-old further said “With the exposure of playing at tracks like in the United Arab Emirates you definitely get a lot of confidence to do well in Australia and New Zealand.”
Pakistani players are hooked with two major upcoming assignments of New Zealand and Australia. Two Tests are scheduled for New Zealand and three Tests along with five one-day internationals are packed for Australia.
However, Inspite of being strong enough to uproot the consequences of ban, another issue is standing boldly in front of Amir. His fitness is a question and matter of concern for all related folks.
“I did face some problem with fitness which was expected after five years’s absence. It is very tough for fast bowler especially to come after such a long period and be there at once.
“Outings in New Zealand and Australia and performing there in those condition will give me immense confidence.”
Fans and team’s well wishers are missing his well-known swing. Upon which optimistic Amir believes that it will return with each match.
“You can’t reach there in days as you need to keep on performing. I still have a long career ahead of me and I am working hard to get there where I left in 2010.
“Since my comeback I was playing T20 cricket where bowling is totally different and I was going wide of the crease earlier but now I have minimise it and worked on my arms and its working in my way.”