Swing returning for Pakistan pace ace Amir

Ajit Vijaykumar 20:08 31/10/2016
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  • Amir has claimed two wickets in the third Test so far.

    The wickets are not yet pouring in but Pakistan left-arm pace ace Mohammad Amir feels his return to cricket following the end of his international ban is right on track.

    Amir came back to the Test arena during Pakistan’s successful tour of England in July but the 24-year-old was not quite on the mark, his bowling missing that lethal edge. But Amir believes his trademark late swing is coming back.

    “Swing was missing in England but here in the UAE my shape is coming back. I was going wide of the crease a lot and I worked on my bowling arm as well. I had mainly been playing T20s (since return) and that needs different angles. Now my rhythm and arm position are getting better,” Amir said after the second day’s play of the third and final Test in Sharjah.

    “To play Test cricket after five years is tough. Especially for fast bowlers. The England tour was tough for me but as I am playing more Tests, my rhythm is coming back. I had to concentrate on my fitness as well, after being out for five years. That is improving too.”

    While his rhythm is getting better, Pakistan will be a bit worried about the state of the third Test, with the West Indies threatening to take a lead in what could be a low-scoring game. But Amir said the match is still under control.

    “The game is still open and their first innings is going on. A Test is decided only in the fourth innings and if we set a target of more than 300, we will be in a great position.

    “We are still in control of the game. The new ball will be due and if we take quick wickets… a lead of 30 or 40 will be good for our confidence. Then if we score 250 odd… the wicket looks like it will turn,” Amir explained.

    While Amir has just returned to the international arena, he was surprisingly omitted from the second Test with Sohail Khan and Rahat Ali given a chance. Amir said it was a deliberate strategy from the management, keeping Pakistan’s upcoming tours of New Zealand and Australia in mind.

    “I have been playing continuously for a year since my comeback. And as a fast bowler, you need to take rest. If you see our bench, we have Rahat, Imran. With me and Wahab… you never know as a fast bowler you can get an injury. So you need to take chances if you can. With a long tour of New Zealand and Australia, if the bench has had match practice, they will not feel the pressure if someone gets injured.

    “It was a decision by the management and fast bowlers should take rest, not just mine.”

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