Is a sub-28 career bowling average in Tests beyond Mohammad Amir now?

[Slog]

25 is ATG territory for me but lets say we are being generous now and give bowlers some leeway due to nature of cricket, you would atleast expect a 28 or below average from bowlers who are considered top drawer.

Amir has already played 30 Tests. With an average of almost 33, right now even 30 looks a way off. Let alone sub 28

 

[UN talkz]

No he can still reach there but based upon pitches that Pak play on, he will probably end his career with a career average of 30-32

 

[Nikhil_cric]

25 is ATG territory for me but lets say we are being generous now and give bowlers some leeway due to nature of cricket, you would atleast expect a 28 or below average from bowlers who are considered top drawer.

Amir has already played 30 Tests. With an average of almost 33, right now even 30 looks a way off. Let alone sub 28

He can. Depends on whether he can have a turnaround like jimmy did back in 2010. And jimmy was averaging something like 35 before that.

 

[Fahdi]

Provided he ups his game he can. He is 25 and can possibly play for 8 more years which means 50-60 tests are possible for him possibly more. He mantains an average of 26-27 in that period he can do it.

Right now though he doesn't seem to have the character for it.

 

[Napa]

Provided he ups his game he can. He is 25 and can possibly play for 8 more years which means 50-60 tests are possible for him possibly more. He mantains an average of 26-27 in that period he can do it.

Right now though he doesn't seem to have the character for it.

Amir is a great ODI bowler, especially when playing India

I don't think his body can handle the long spells one has to bowl in Tests, or is as effective when Test openers can choose to simply defend against him without the pressure of having to maintain a run rate.

 

[Fahdi]

Amir is a great ODI bowler, especially when playing India

I don't think his body can handle the long spells one has to bowl in Tests, or is as effective when Test openers can choose to simply defend against him without the pressure of having to maintain a run rate.

Even in ODIs he doesn't turn up often enough. Doesn't bowl the wicket taking length often enough because he is afraid of getting hit around. This just shows he lacks the heart most times and needs the occasion to light the fire in his belly. He has the skills to be a top bowler but as I said if he doesn't have the will to be the best he will never get there.

He is not exactly injury prone and even if he is he can have a long test career if he manages his workload properly. He has a coach who will know how to handle fast bowlers in the dressing room so rotation shouldn't be a big problem. One thing you can see is that he doesn't work on his fitness as well as he should, he should have a better build than what he currently has which will not only add pace but also help stave off injuries.

As far as wicket taking goes in tests he is a lot more skilled than Junaid ever was and Junaid Khan was able to manage an average of 27-28 bowling mostly in the UAE and Sri Lanka. Pre injury Junaid didn't shy away from getting hit around at 4+ an over even in the slower wickets and was a highly underappreciated exponent of the new ball in tests at least. He would nab a top order wicket or two and regularly got wickets with the old ball. Amir who has better pace, swing and overall skill should be able to do better.

From Amir I just haven't seen the passion of a top bowler. And it's not as if he is the quiet type as well. In his few good performances he has never shied away from showing that spirit and passion.

 

[WengerOut]

Amir is a great ODI bowler, especially when playing India

I don't think his body can handle the long spells one has to bowl in Tests, or is as effective when Test openers can choose to simply defend against him without the pressure of having to maintain a run rate.

Only CT 2017 final that i can think of. If not wrong, even including that , his record against India is worse than his overall record in ODI.

 

[Buffet]

32 in 30 odd test to 28 in 90 odd tests is not beyond reach, but you need to bowl very well.

 

[Buffet]

Amir is a great ODI bowler, especially when playing India

I don't think his body can handle the long spells one has to bowl in Tests, or is as effective when Test openers can choose to simply defend against him without the pressure of having to maintain a run rate.

When did great bowlers start getting ranked 31? Great bowlers in any format find themselves in the top 10 often and here we have a bowler who has not been ranked in the top 20 even once in his career. You are buying into hype here. Decent bowler , nothing else. He has potential, but seems to lack motivation.

 

[Pete Rose]

I think he will have a better year in 2018 in tests.

 

[Gubol123]

He has got 95 wickets in 30 odd matches with an average of around 33, which is around 3.2 wickets every match. Assuming he improves and gets around 3.5 wickets per test and plays another 60 matches, he will end up around 305 wickets. To bring his career average less than 28 he will have to average less than 26 for the rest of his career. Basically he has to become Hazelwood for the rest of his career. I really doubt he can do it. He is still young but i don't see him turning into Hazelwood for the rest of his career. Even if he becomes Starc for the rest of his career (in terms of average and not strike rate or wickets per match where Starc is much superior to Amir and Hazelwood and it is improbable that Amir will catch up with Starc) he will not end up with a sub 28 average

 

[AMSS]

He would be bowling in extremely favorable conditions in UK and Ireland this summer so some improvement can be expected on the average front. South African tour later this year is also an opportunity. I am expecting him to nudge 30 in the next 12 months.

 

[BlueDoritos]

It's not too late.

1 great year and his average will go down to sub30.

All depends on his mindset and hard work.

 

[Gubol123]

When did great bowlers start getting ranked 31? Great bowlers in any format find themselves in the top 10 often and here we have a bowler who has not been ranked in the top 20 even once in his career. You are buying into hype here. Decent bowler , nothing else. He has potential, but seems to lack motivation.

and 43 in tests and 28 in T20Is (even after his good performance in NZ). All Amir has currently going for him are his passionate fans and the hype they generate. BY actual performance some of the bowlers above him are (I am listing only those who are not held in high regards here on PP and many times are target of all sorts of jokes)

Tests - Wagner, Boult, Shami, Southee, Gabriel, Kemar Roach, Wahab Riaz (Yes Wahab), Dilruwan Perera, Ishanth Sharma (Yes!!!), Umesh Yadav, Mooen Ali (Guy who averages 40 in tests and had a terrible Ashes), Peter Siddle (One who played his last test match in 2016, if i remember correctly), Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Rahat Ali (Yes the same Sir Rahat Ali is ranked 7 places above AMir in tests), Zulfiquar Babar (Uncle who played his last test in 2016), Toby Roland-Jones ( who played his last test match 7 months back and played only 4 tests in his career has managed to do better)

ODIs - Bumrah, Rashid Khan, Akshar Patel, Matt Henry, Bhuvi, Plunkett, Mohammad Nabi, Mustafizur Rahman, Lakmal, Tim Southee, Mortaza, Graeme Cremer, Jason Holder, Hamza Hotak

Yes there are three Afg bowlers who are ranked above Amir. Inf act, apart from Hasan Ali there is no other bowler from Pak in the top 20. So much for the best bowling attack in the world and there are two from AFG

T20Is - Santner, Rashid Khan, Shodi, Bumrah, Badree, Mustafizuar, Mohammad Naveed (UAE!!!), Hamza Hotak, Chris Jordan, Nabi, Ahmed Raza (UAE!!!), Timm Van der Gugten (Ned), George DOckrell (IRE), Nadeem Ahmed and Aizaz Khan (Both HK!!!)

Yes there are bunch of bowlers from associate teams who are ranked higher than Amir..

 

[Gubol123]

He would be bowling in extremely favorable conditions in UK and Ireland this summer so some improvement can be expected on the average front. South African tour later this year is also an opportunity. I am expecting him to nudge 30 in the next 12 months.

that is very much possible. He might as well end up with a sub 28 by end of this year. But to maintain that for the rest of his career he will have to bowl as well as Hazelwood for the rest of his career (60 to 70 matches)

 

[shaz619]

He can. Depends on whether he can have a turnaround like jimmy did back in 2010. And jimmy was averaging something like 35 before that.

Jimmy also benefited from the wickets in England and Amir is no where near Akram's level to bowl exceptionally well on dead pitches

 

[Usman Chadda]

Amir needs to get his length right. No matter what the nay-sayers say, he has the skill. Just needs to let go of the fear of failure that affects most of the players in our team.

 

[ManFan]

Amir needs to get his length right. No matter what the nay-sayers say, he has the skill. Just needs to let go of the fear of failure that affects most of the players in our team.

He seems happy bowling a good spell here and there. He doesn't want to leave behind a legacy as the best pace bowler of this generation the likes of Anderson and Starc seem to. The team culture since his return hasn't helped either. He has not muscled up and he is what, 25 now? Doesn't have the stamina to bowl long fast spells in Tests and ODI's. Looks lethargic and skinny fat whenever he comes into bowl. Having said that, he will wind up like Irfan Pathan as someone who raises his game in ICC Tournaments and against the rivals. However, he will remain as a "Lost Wonder" of Pakistan.

 

[sjahmed23]

The stats are skewed for current Pakistani pacers. They do not get to bowl in Pakistan and have to play majority of their matches in foreign conditions.

 

[Usman Chadda]

He seems happy bowling a good spell here and there. He doesn't want to leave behind a legacy as the best pace bowler of this generation the likes of Anderson and Starc seem to. The team culture since his return hasn't helped either. He has not muscled up and he is what, 25 now? Doesn't have the stamina to bowl long fast spells in Tests and ODI's. Looks lethargic and skinny fat whenever he comes into bowl. Having said that, he will wind up like Irfan Pathan as someone who raises his game in ICC Tournaments and against the rivals. However, he will remain as a "Lost Wonder" of Pakistan.

Unfair to compare Amir with Pathan. The guy recently delivered the spell of 2017. Out of all the bowlers ranked ahead of him, he was the one to bowl that final-defining spell.he bowled like he had nothing to lose and ripped out the hapless top three of India, who were (literally) monstrous throughout the tournament. You cannot do that if you do not have skill.

I doubt he would ever be up for it on dead UAE wickets, where he will definitely have stamina issues thanks to his fitness. But in places like New Zealand and Australia, you expect him to be at his best. Has disappointed massively on both these tours so far, which is a knock on any decent bowler.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Jimmy also benefited from the wickets in England and Amir is no where near Akram's level to bowl exceptionally well on dead pitches

If only this were true. Aamir hasn't done much on helpful wickets either and Jimmy has been very good even in the UAE. Now Aamir undoubtedly has a higher ceiling but he has to turn it around this year atleast. Otherwise i feel he will be an average bowler for the rest of his career.

 

[barah_admi]

25 is ATG territory for me but lets say we are being generous now and give bowlers some leeway due to nature of cricket, you would atleast expect a 28 or below average from bowlers who are considered top drawer.

Amir has already played 30 Tests. With an average of almost 33, right now even 30 looks a way off. Let alone sub 28

The pitches in the UAE are the most unhelpful on the planet and the conditions are probably the worst for fast bowling. Its so dry, so hot, no grass, barely even any dead grass. If he can get some more tests in England and NZ (I hope Pak can at least play NZ regularly) then he might get it under 30.

 

[ManFan]

Unfair to compare Amir with Pathan. The guy recently delivered the spell of 2017. Out of all the bowlers ranked ahead of him, he was the one to bowl that final-defining spell.he bowled like he had nothing to lose and ripped out the hapless top three of India, who were (literally) monstrous throughout the tournament. You cannot do that if you do not have skill.

I doubt he would ever be up for it on dead UAE wickets, where he will definitely have stamina issues thanks to his fitness. But in places like New Zealand and Australia, you expect him to be at his best. Has disappointed massively on both these tours so far, which is a knock on any decent bowler.

He bowls too short and too slow. I agree that the UAE is detrimental for both our batsmen and bowlers.

 

[Markhor]

There'll be no excuses for not performing on a greentop in Ireland or in England in late May/early June.

 

[ManFan]

There'll be no excuses for not performing on a greentop in Ireland or in England in late May/early June.

If he does perform, our batting and slip catching will make sure that he has neither scoreboard pressure or confidence of the fielders to get his bowling average under 30.

 

[Usman Chadda]

There'll be no excuses for not performing on a greentop in Ireland or in England in late May/early June.

We don't want Amir to be our Kumar or Anderson. Has to develop skills to be successful on most surfaces, not just green tops.

 

[Slog]

The pitches in the UAE are the most unhelpful on the planet and the conditions are probably the worst for fast bowling. Its so dry, so hot, no grass, barely even any dead grass. If he can get some more tests in England and NZ (I hope Pak can at least play NZ regularly) then he might get it under 30.

Of the 30 tests I'd be surprised if he has played more than 5 in UAE

 

[Buffet]

Of the 30 tests I'd be surprised if he has played more than 5 in UAE

4 in UAE
20 out of 30 has been in Aus, Eng and NZ.

 

[ManFan]

4 in UAE
20 out of 30 has been in Aus, Eng and NZ.

AUS pitches are really not helpful. Even the pink-ball test had PAK almost chase 450. ENG as well in 16' were not typical English pitches. His golden run in 09-10 did have helpful tracks to support him but not so much in Tests since his return.

 

[Buffet]

AUS pitches are really not helpful. Even the pink-ball test had PAK almost chase 450. ENG as well in 16' were not typical English pitches. His golden run in 09-10 did have helpful tracks to support him but not so much in Tests since his return.

I don't think that Amir will get pitches like that often. Agree about Aus. Pitches are very flat and it's hard for bowlers specially when you are bowling to Aus batsmen.

 

[ManFan]

I don't think that Amir will get pitches like that often. Agree about Aus. Pitches are very flat and it's hard for bowlers specially when you are bowling to Aus batsmen.

He did well in the 1st Test getting 4 wickets but than as Achebe wrote, "Things Fall Apart".

 

[Buffet]

He did well in the 1st Test getting 4 wickets but than as Achebe wrote, "Things Fall Apart".

He mostly wants to avoid getting hit. I saw it even when he got a green pitch in NZ. He is a good defensive bowler by choice.

 

[Napa]

One thing you can see is that he doesn't work on his fitness as well as he should, he should have a better build than what he currently has which will not only add pace but also help stave off injuries.

Very true. Obviously he had the talent, and with hard work to strengthen his body, he can become one of the best bowlers worldwide in all formats.

 

[Ab Fan]

He should be played only in matches against India.

 

[Napa]

When did great bowlers start getting ranked 31? Great bowlers in any format find themselves in the top 10 often and here we have a bowler who has not been ranked in the top 20 even once in his career. You are buying into hype here. Decent bowler , nothing else. He has potential, but seems to lack motivation.

Obviously his performance is very uneven. He did make the biggest contribution to his team in winning the final of ICC's second most prestigious tournament.

 

[Buffet]

Obviously his performance is very uneven. He did make the biggest contribution to his team in winning the final of ICC's second most prestigious tournament.

Contribution in couple of matches is not going to make anyone great. Consistent contribution leads to greatness.

 

[Saj]

He just does not look threatening at all in Test cricket.

I mean the likes of Wasim and Waqar looked dangerous most of the time with the ball, yet this guy rarely looks a threat.

 

[shaz619]

If only this were true. Aamir hasn't done much on helpful wickets either and Jimmy has been very good even in the UAE. Now Aamir undoubtedly has a higher ceiling but he has to turn it around this year atleast. Otherwise i feel he will be an average bowler for the rest of his career.

He had one good series in the UAE, he don't bowl there regularly which is a lot tougher. How you deem Amir to have done on helpful wickets is subjective, but one thing which can't be denied is that he'd much prefer to be bowling in England regularly then in the UAE and the last couple of series he had there were not bad at all. Expectations have been high, but if they are lowered then he's been fine for Pakistan, was decent when we drew level in England for a comeback series and bowled a fine spell to help Pak beat India in the CT

 

[Savak]

He is heading the Mohd Sami way

 

[ads101]

It's a matter between him going down as a good bowler or an average one now. He doesn't look like he'll end up as a great bowler.

Bowls defensively with less venom a lot of the time. Doesn't get swing like he used to. And his speed is down except in T20s or when he choose to ramp it up in certain ODIs. He might not be totally fit/recurring injury that he doesn't want to stress, but no one knows the exact reason.

He's still young enough to turn it around and go down as a great bowler, but looking at the signs I don't think he will. Lastly I think the enjoyment out of playing cricket for him has gone somewhat. Remember him being very animated when he was younger, while now a lot more sombre. Kind of makes sense though when you've gone through a fixing scandal, he'll forever be branded as a fixer even if he became the greatest bowler that ever lived. Is probably aware people in his country, opposition fans are constantly judging him for it.

Feel a bit sorry for him even if I was against him coming back into the international team. A mistake as large as that, doesn't matter if he apologises a million times, people still won't forgive him and continue to judge him. He'll probably feel forever guilty about it as long as he lives. Cricket's tainted for him now.

 

[aloo paratha]

He's a mediocre bowler, his average will always be 30+, unless he pulls a 180.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

He had one good series in the UAE, he don't bowl there regularly which is a lot tougher. How you deem Amir to have done on helpful wickets is subjective, but one thing which can't be denied is that he'd much prefer to be bowling in England regularly then in the UAE and the last couple of series he had there were not bad at all. Expectations have been high, but if they are lowered then he's been fine for Pakistan, was decent when we drew level in England for a comeback series and bowled a fine spell to help Pak beat India in the CT

I was talking only about test cricket Shaz. I think he's fine in ODI's.

 

[Indiafan]

Unfair to compare Amir with Pathan. The guy recently delivered the spell of 2017. Out of all the bowlers ranked ahead of him, he was the one to bowl that final-defining spell.he bowled like he had nothing to lose and ripped out the hapless top three of India, who were (literally) monstrous throughout the tournament. You cannot do that if you do not have skill.

I doubt he would ever be up for it on dead UAE wickets, where he will definitely have stamina issues thanks to his fitness. But in places like New Zealand and Australia, you expect him to be at his best. Has disappointed massively on both these tours so far, which is a knock on any decent bowler.

it is hilarious how much hype that one spell is given. With 340 on board i have seen Zimbabwe bowlers and ishant bowl like demons as batsmen are under pressure to chase

Do you know pathan is both a world cup.and world t20 winning bowler for us? And that ishant has defended 120 in 20 overs in ct final for us?

 

[Indiafan]

We don't want Amir to be our Kumar or Anderson. Has to develop skills to be successful on most surfaces, not just green tops.

I think some of you are a tad delusional about Amir

Kumar averages 26 compared to Amir's 33. That 26 includes one single match in Australia where he averaged 168 with an injury. He averages below 27 in every single country he has played in which includes India, SA, England and West Indies.

 

[Madplayer]

I think some of you are a tad delusional about Amir

Kumar averages 26 compared to Amir's 33. That 26 includes one single match in Australia where he averaged 168 with an injury. He averages below 27 in every single country he has played in which includes India, SA, England and West Indies.

As strange as it might sound taking history into consideration, an Indian, Bhuvneshwar kumar is the best test pace bowler from Asia right now.

 

[shaz619]

I was talking only about test cricket Shaz. I think he's fine in ODI's.

I was looking at it overall, expectations are too high otherwise he is doing ok from a Pakistan POV. No one is suggesting he's the world's best / maybe not even a top 5 or a future ATG, but we don't have the greatest resources at the moment and he's a decent option at present. And the UAE is tough for any of the world's top bowlers if it was a home

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I was looking at it overall, expectations are too high otherwise he is doing ok from a Pakistan POV. No one is suggesting he's the world's best / maybe not even a top 5 or a future ATG, but we don't have the greatest resources at the moment and he's a decent option at present. And the UAE is tough for any of the world's top bowlers if it was a home

The Aamir of 2009/10 certainly had the potential to be as good as Steyn/Wasim etc. People are expecting based on what they remember of Aamir from those days. He's a decent bowler but he has to get his act together quickly or he won't even reach Darren Gough level.

 

[shaz619]

The Aamir of 2009/10 certainly had the potential to be as good as Steyn/Wasim etc. People are expecting based on what they remember of Aamir from those days. He's a decent bowler but he has to get his act together quickly or he won't even reach Darren Gough level.

Darren Gough is criminally underated, loved watching him bowl and he performed very well across all forms; I'd defo have him in my England XI. I think Amir peaked in 2010, it was always going to be tough coming back after the lay off he had and he has not lived up to the expectations but if they are ignored then he has been ok.

He won't get to Gough level or end his career as one of Pakistan's best but will be solid/average generally whilst delivering from time to time in key series / important games. Amir tends to thrive when he's more motivated, e.g the occasion / big game when spot light is on or when you pay him a few extra quid. I think his numbers would be better if he was playing for England, he really fancies himself over there. Everywhere else not all that really.

 

[shaz619]

Maybe Pakistan should drop Amir from Tests

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Darren Gough is criminally underated, loved watching him bowl and he performed very well across all forms; I'd defo have him in my England XI. I think Amir peaked in 2010, it was always going to be tough coming back after the lay off he had and he has not lived up to the expectations but if they are ignored then he has been ok.

He won't get to Gough level or end his career as one of Pakistan's best but will be solid/average generally whilst delivering from time to time in key series / important games. Amir tends to thrive when he's more motivated, e.g the occasion / big game when spot light is on or when you pay him a few extra quid. I think his numbers would be better if he was playing for England, he really fancies himself over there. Everywhere else not all that really.

I don't think he was anywhere near his peak in 2010! That was just a glimpse of is ability. Had he continued in the same vein, he probably would have become a top 3 test bowler by 2013 ish and i stand by that. He was rapidly improving at the time. Having said that i do think, he's missed that curve now. I still think he can reach a certain level(maybe not ATG) but starting in England this year, he has to start taking wickets upfront. Needs to run in hard and give it his all throughout and not just occasionally.

 

[Sam99]

As strange as it might sound taking history into consideration, an Indian, Bhuvneshwar kumar is the best test pace bowler from Asia right now.

only in helpful conditions he is worse than umesh or ishant when pitch dont have help. Shami currently is better test bowler for india and bumrah can go ahead of shami if he keeps his fitness.

 

[Bilal7]

A sub-29 bowling average is top drawer. Most very good and great bowlers average around this much. Amir has a decade of cricket left so I don't know why OP is making it seem like Amir is going to play his farewell series next week.

 

[Bilal7]

As strange as it might sound taking history into consideration, an Indian, Bhuvneshwar kumar is the best test pace bowler from Asia right now.

Not even the best in his own team. Mohammad Shami is the best Indian pace bowler. Kumar can't buy a game on flatter pitches and that has helped keep his average low. Skill-wise, he is nowhere near Shami, let alone Amir.

 

[Hasan123]

For him to improve in tests he will need to bowl in more favourable conditions. On flatter surfaces he bowls far too defensive.

Hoping that he has a better 2018.

 

[Usman Chadda]

it is hilarious how much hype that one spell is given. With 340 on board i have seen Zimbabwe bowlers and ishant bowl like demons as batsmen are under pressure to chase

Do you know pathan is both a world cup.and world t20 winning bowler for us? And that ishant has defended 120 in 20 overs in ct final for us?

Ah I see you are back here after the whipping your boys got in June. I believe you and a few others were at the height of trolling before the final and it's a pleasure to have your bitterness back on this board. Wonder where that [MENTION=141829]geraltofrivia[/MENTION] guy is.

With respect to the post, stop embarrassing yourself. It is arguably the spell of 2017 and ripped the heart out of India there and then, reducing you to nothing. This isn't some Ravi Bopara, Ian Bell etc type wickets that your hero Ishant Sharma took, this was three top-class batsmen upfront in terrific form who were reduced to mere bunnies infront of a packed house in an all-important final. I believe you want more sucker punches from Muhammad Amir before you finally disappear for good from this forum?

 

[Saj]

Maybe Pakistan should drop Amir from Tests

The problem is that there isn't much competition in the pace bowling department.

 

[Sidilicious]

For him to improve in tests he will need to bowl in more favourable conditions. On flatter surfaces he bowls far too defensive.

Hoping that he has a better 2018.

I sometimes feel he is not enjoying his cricket. I remember watching him in 2010 there was sense of pure fun while playing his cricket. The kind of feeling when we used to get when playing cricket. Just pure joy and fun.

I dont feel like that anymore. His body language makes me feel that he thinks he has the burden of the whole world on his shoulders. I reckon if he gets that pure pleasure of playing cricket back, then he might be back to his old best.

 

[Madplayer]

only in helpful conditions he is worse than umesh or ishant when pitch dont have help. Shami currently is better test bowler for india and bumrah can go ahead of shami if he keeps his fitness.

Not even the best in his own team. Mohammad Shami is the best Indian pace bowler. Kumar can't buy a game on flatter pitches and that has helped keep his average low. Skill-wise, he is nowhere near Shami, let alone Amir.

I read somewhere that he averages 26 in all countries except maybe 1. He is outbowling everyone from Asia including Shami. He played a critical role in India's solitary test win in SA this year.

He is criminally under rated and if you guys have followed my views on him, i have loathed him since the threads which compared him with Junaid khan started. He has improved steadily and purely based on performances and stats (not ability or skills) i dont see how anyone from Asia is near him.

 

[Sam99]

I read somewhere that he averages 26 in all countries except maybe 1. He is outbowling everyone from Asia including Shami. He played a critical role in India's solitary test win in SA this year.

He is criminally under rated and if you guys have followed my views on him, i have loathed him since the threads which compared him with Junaid khan started. He has improved steadily and purely based on performances and stats (not ability or skills) i dont see how anyone from Asia is near him.

Avg of 26 in all countries because he plays only during helpful conditions. Check out matches he missed and pitch report of those matches mostly all pitches were flat roads which he was dropped for.

 

[Bilal7]

Avg of 26 in all countries because he plays only during helpful conditions. Check out matches he missed and pitch report of those matches mostly all pitches were flat roads which he was dropped for.

This. India have used him intelligently, which is something more teams should do. Horses for courses.

 

[Hasan123]

I sometimes feel he is not enjoying his cricket. I remember watching him in 2010 there was sense of pure fun while playing his cricket. The kind of feeling when we used to get when playing cricket. Just pure joy and fun.

I dont feel like that anymore. His body language makes me feel that he thinks he has the burden of the whole world on his shoulders. I reckon if he gets that pure pleasure of playing cricket back, then he might be back to his old best.

He doesn't seem to be motivated for certain games . This needs to change as playing for your country is a big honour. When he's motivated we will see more performance like the CT final.

 

[Saj]

Unless he irons out some technical issues then his Test bowling average will not come down by much.

Also there are question marks over his fitness for Tests.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Unless he irons out some technical issues then his Test bowling average will not come down by much.

Also there are question marks over his fitness for Tests.

That just doesn't apply for Tests but over all the formats.

 

[Saj]

That just doesn't apply for Tests but over all the formats.

You can get away with it a little in the shorter formats but there is no hiding place in Test cricket.

 

[shaz619]

The problem is that there isn't much competition in the pace bowling department.

Junaid Khan can't do any worse, he will give his 100% every game and produce similar results to the current lethargic Amir. However, I believe our next series is in England and it would be suicidal to drop Amir over here

 

[chacha kashmiri]

Just not that good , never going to cope at that level

Also not gna run through sides with pace and Guile

Cant even be reserve bowla, Umer Gul was far beta

 

[WengerOut]

He doesn't seem to be motivated for certain games . This needs to change as playing for your country is a big honour. When he's motivated we will see more performance like the CT final.

This is just masking his non performances under the facade of lack of motivation. You guys are saying if he wanted , he could do a CT 2017 every time. Performances are performances. He just can't buy wickets anymore. Hasan Ali has surpassed him big time. That Afridi guy also will eventually move above him.

 

[Justcrazy]

He has to pick more 5 fers in Test Matches to bring his average down.

 

[hur rizvi]

In his present state he doesnt deserve a test spot let alone managing excellent average

 

[AMSS]

For the sanity of pakistan fan, I hope he brings it below 30 at the very least. Otherwise it'd be Umar Akmal reprised.

 

[Hasan123]

This is just masking his non performances under the facade of lack of motivation. You guys are saying if he wanted , he could do a CT 2017 every time. Performances are performances. He just can't buy wickets anymore. Hasan Ali has surpassed him big time. That Afridi guy also will eventually move above him.

He doesn't bowl the right line and lengths that is true but he doesn't seem up for it at times. It's a combination of both things.

 

[Usman Chadda]

For the sanity of pakistan fan, I hope he brings it below 30 at the very least. Otherwise it'd be Umar Akmal reprised.

Umar Akmal has never delivered in a final/knockout for Pakistan.

 

[hafeezrocks]

32.25 right now, needs to make the most of this English tour as he is unlikely to get wickets in huge numbers on dead pitches of UAE.

 

[USofA]

Will this be his last test series in Eng. considering all the buzz about giving up test cricket.

 

[Rafa]

Considering the dropped catches off his bowling, the average could have easily gotten below 28.

 

[waleed88]

Considering the dropped catches off his bowling, the average could have easily gotten below 28.

What rubbish, half of his dropped catches are off the same batsman he got later on

 

[emm-tee]

What rubbish, half of his dropped catches are off the same batsman he got later on

Agreed. While we can't just add the dropped catches to the wicket column, we can't completely ignore it either. Had those catches have been taken, there could have been pressure on the batsman, perhaps?

All is opinions at this point and I think he should just focus on getting wickets and not think about this.

 

[waleed88]

Agreed. While we can't just add the dropped catches to the wicket column, we can't completely ignore it either. Had those catches have been taken, there could have been pressure on the batsman, perhaps?

All is opinions at this point and I think he should just focus on getting wickets and not think about this.

Well I have a different perspective, Amir hasn't been taking that many wickets, so the perception when he is in a wicket taking mode, the dropped catches seem bigger than they actually are.

 

[Savak]

The over rated Amir continues to be out performed by his fellow bowlers.

 

[Saj]

Average is now 32.03.

Long way to go to get it to under 28.