- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,977
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...n/news-story/859ca81f76b126d0927b550b97826459
One of Pakistan whiz kid Mohammad Amir’s last acts in Test cricket before being banned and jailed for spot fixing back in 2010 was to completely decimate Australia for just 88 runs in a Test match in Leeds.
For Australia it was the beginning of the end as far as any semblance of batting stability was concerned. A few months later Ricky Ponting’s side was rolled for 98 at the MCG, then a year on Michael Clarke’s new team was embarrassingly skittled for just 47 in Cape Town.
More modest scores and crippling capitulations followed in the ensuing years before the 2015 Ashes disaster when Australia were bowled out for 60 at Trent Bridge.
As recently as three Test matches ago Australia lost 10 wickets for 86 in Perth before being bowled out for 88 in Hobart.
Now Amir returns to action against Australia armed with a pink ball and a hard as nails attitude that his him determined to expose the side’s vulnerable underbelly under lights at the Gabba.
Despite spending six years on the sidelines, Amir has returned once again as a bowling powerhouse, and the only thing that has let him down since his return has been his teammates.
Pakistan have dropped a staggering dozen catches off his bowling, including four in the last Test against New Zealand in Hamilton, and Amir admits he’s crying out for some support as he looks to bring down Australia for the third time in his chequered career.
“Yes, it affects the bowler when you run from 22 yards and your catch is dropped. Your disappointed and frustrated,” said Amir.
Mohammad Amir endured a frustrating tour of New Zealand recently.
“But it affects the team more than the individual. I’ve been very unlucky but I try to be a team man.
“Twelve or 13 (catches have been dropped off my bowling). It’s difficult to keep count. But that’s part of the game.”
Pakistan coach Micky Arthur is confident that merciless Australian crowds will largely leave Amir alone, while captain Misbah ul-Haq says sledging has not been an issue for his pace ace.
“I don’t think we’ve got any problems with that,” said Misbah.
“We were thinking it could be worse in England, very difficult for him, but that tour went very well and most of the crowds were supportive.
“And there wasn’t any problems even in New Zealand. I don’t think we faced any problems with Mohammad Amir.”
Australia captain Steve Smith was one of Amir’s victims back in 2010, his debut series.
Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey and Simon Katich also fell victim.
Smith says Australia must be wary of one of the most talented craftsmen in world cricket.
“He’s a quality bowler. He’s got some great skills. I remember watching out in Australia in 2010 he bowled with really good pace,” said Smith.
“I think he was hitting 145-150 and in England he slowed it down and got his wrists right and swung the ball, so it’s great to have those sort of gears and those skills. No doubt he could potentially be a handful if it’s swinging around.
“Guys are just going to have to identify those difficult periods and adapt and show some resilience and things will get easier from there, so no doubt he’s a quality bowler.”
One of Pakistan whiz kid Mohammad Amir’s last acts in Test cricket before being banned and jailed for spot fixing back in 2010 was to completely decimate Australia for just 88 runs in a Test match in Leeds.
For Australia it was the beginning of the end as far as any semblance of batting stability was concerned. A few months later Ricky Ponting’s side was rolled for 98 at the MCG, then a year on Michael Clarke’s new team was embarrassingly skittled for just 47 in Cape Town.
More modest scores and crippling capitulations followed in the ensuing years before the 2015 Ashes disaster when Australia were bowled out for 60 at Trent Bridge.
As recently as three Test matches ago Australia lost 10 wickets for 86 in Perth before being bowled out for 88 in Hobart.
Now Amir returns to action against Australia armed with a pink ball and a hard as nails attitude that his him determined to expose the side’s vulnerable underbelly under lights at the Gabba.
Despite spending six years on the sidelines, Amir has returned once again as a bowling powerhouse, and the only thing that has let him down since his return has been his teammates.
Pakistan have dropped a staggering dozen catches off his bowling, including four in the last Test against New Zealand in Hamilton, and Amir admits he’s crying out for some support as he looks to bring down Australia for the third time in his chequered career.
“Yes, it affects the bowler when you run from 22 yards and your catch is dropped. Your disappointed and frustrated,” said Amir.
Mohammad Amir endured a frustrating tour of New Zealand recently.
“But it affects the team more than the individual. I’ve been very unlucky but I try to be a team man.
“Twelve or 13 (catches have been dropped off my bowling). It’s difficult to keep count. But that’s part of the game.”
Pakistan coach Micky Arthur is confident that merciless Australian crowds will largely leave Amir alone, while captain Misbah ul-Haq says sledging has not been an issue for his pace ace.
“I don’t think we’ve got any problems with that,” said Misbah.
“We were thinking it could be worse in England, very difficult for him, but that tour went very well and most of the crowds were supportive.
“And there wasn’t any problems even in New Zealand. I don’t think we faced any problems with Mohammad Amir.”
Australia captain Steve Smith was one of Amir’s victims back in 2010, his debut series.
Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey and Simon Katich also fell victim.
Smith says Australia must be wary of one of the most talented craftsmen in world cricket.
“He’s a quality bowler. He’s got some great skills. I remember watching out in Australia in 2010 he bowled with really good pace,” said Smith.
“I think he was hitting 145-150 and in England he slowed it down and got his wrists right and swung the ball, so it’s great to have those sort of gears and those skills. No doubt he could potentially be a handful if it’s swinging around.
“Guys are just going to have to identify those difficult periods and adapt and show some resilience and things will get easier from there, so no doubt he’s a quality bowler.”
