Too early to talk about Test return, says Amir

LONDON: Mohammad Amir is refusing to rule out a Test return, having admitted that he is “enjoying red-ball cricket”.

The left-arm seamer last played Test cricket for Pakistan in 2019 and hasn’t represented his country in any format since retiring from international action at the age of 28.

But following an injury to compatriot Naseem Shah, he joined Gloucestershire as a replacement overseas player and made his return to first-class cricket in his new county’s high-scoring draw last week with Surrey, where he went wicketless, albeit without much luck.

He bowled 28 overs in that game but was more successful on the first day of Gloucestershire’s ongoing clash with Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl, where he claimed the wickets of James Vince, Nick Gubbins and Aneurin Donald.

“I am playing after three years, so it isn’t easy as a fast bowler,” he told the ECB Reporters Network in Southampton. “I didn’t play any first-class cricket in the last four years, but I am getting better after the first game and just trying to help the boys and do well for them.

“As a bowler it is my duty to bowl well and lead from the front, so that is what I’m trying to do.”

Since his international retirement, he has focused on playing in the world’s various T20 leagues. On whether he would consider reversing that decision and returning to Test cricket, he added: “It is too early to talk about a Test return. You never know and things can be changed but for now I’m enjoying playing for Gloucestershire.

“After recovering from the side strain in the PSL, I was training and feeling so good and thought why not give a chance to red-ball cricket.

“I think I am getting better and on the right path now. I am enjoying red-ball cricket. For now, I’m only here for three games and afterwards I’m planning on going to the Caribbean Premier League.”

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2022