"I look forward to playing as it’s a big occasion": Mohammad Amir

[Suleiman]

LONDON: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir believes he is “fast gaining fitness” ahead of the Champions Trophy final against arch-rivals India.

The 25-year-old left-armer missed Pakistan’s shock eight-wicket semi-final win over tournament hosts England in Cardiff on Wednesday with a back spasm.

But after bowling in the nets at The Oval — the venue for Sunday’s final — on Friday, Amir told AFP: “I am fast gaining fitness.

“I bowled in the nets and felt no discomfort and since we have one more day [to prepare] I hope the recovery will be complete,” explained Amir, who took none for 32 in Pakistan’s 124-run defeat by India in the teams’ tournament opener at Edgbaston on June 4.

“I look forward to playing as it’s a big occasion,” added Amir.

Amir, who took two wickets, including that of all-time batting great Sachin Tendulkar, when Pakistan beat India at Centurion in the 2009 Champions Trophy, starred with both bat and ball in the virtual quarter-final victory over Sri Lanka in Cardiff on Monday.

He took two for 53 in 10 overs as Sri Lanka were held to 236 and then made an unbeaten 28 as he and Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed (61 not out) steered their side to a tense three-wicket win with an unbroken stand of 75.

But he was hardly missed on Wednesday, with debutant fellow left-arm paceman Rumman Raees taking 2-44 as England were skittled out for 211.

As well as bowling in the nets on Friday, Amir received treatment from the team physiotherapist and bowling coach Azhar Mahmood told reporters: “He bowled today without any problem whatsoever.

“The back spasm took two days to get over, and he’s better now,” he added. “We will go with Amir if he is fit. But we don’t mind — if he is not fit, then we move on with Rumman Raees.”

Published in Dawn, June 17th, 2017

https://www.dawn.com/news/1340076

 

[The cricket enthusiast]

pakistan should play rumaan raees
he pitched the ball up and have more chance of getting wickets in first 10 overs than amir.

 

[QalandarFan]

Good to now he is fit and he should play but they shouldn't drop Rumman.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Should come in for rumman. Gave us the vital breakthrough against SL and bowled really well. Rumman bowled well against SL but he needs to sit out against India. His time will come.

 

[Napa]

If Amir is back, that will be good for Pakistan and not so good for India. He hasn't taken many wickets but should never be underestimated.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Rumman, Amir, Junaid and Hassan can not be playing at the same time else our batting will be too weak.

 

[Macho Mann]

rummn shouldn't be replaced with amir, amir can come in place of imad wasim

two mediocre wicketless bowlers shouldnt be played together

rumman doesnt deserve the drop after his brilliant performance in the semis

amir is prone to injuries and even if he is fit, he cant be fully fit enough to play such a vital game, he has become unfit second time now

 

[smarmazhar]

Amir is an allrounder & hence should definitely play even at the expense of Imad..

 

[IAJ]

What a bowler! Amazing spell of bowling when it mattered most.

 

[Speedster777]

He's a champion!

 

[QalandarFan]

I have watched his wicket of Kohli so many times it's so addictive and after I'm done typing I am watching it again! Nasser's commentary also makes it good.