Mohammad Amir can become world's best bowler, claims Misbah-ul-Haq

Amir is set to return to Tests after almost six years

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has claimed that Mohammad Amir possesses the necessary skills to become the best bowler in the world of cricket. AFP reported the 42-year-old backing the left-arm pacer to overcome pressure in their forthcoming series against England.

Speaking from Hampshire’s Rose Bowl ground where Pakistan are currently training, Misbah believed, “If you look at his (Amir’s) bowling speed, swing and control, it’s there. He can still be the best bowler in the world.”

The seasoned campaigner added, “Whatever form of the game he has played since his comeback, he has done well. He knows he is under pressure but he is handling it well. It is a chance to win back all his fans. It’s a great opportunity and he's working hard.”

After bursting on to the scene as a 17-year old during a Test match against Sri Lanka in 2009, Amir was found guilty of spot-fixing along with fellow team mate Mohammad Asif and the then skipper Salman Butt.

Upon serving the subsequent 5-year ban, he returned to the international scene in the limited-overs trip to New Zealand, this January. However, the seamer has not played a Test match since that ill-fated 2010 encounter at Lord’s. Amir would have to return to the iconic venue for the 4-match series which begins from July 14.

But, Misbah felt, “This is a good chance for him to come here, the place where he had those problems and show the world he is there to perform and deliver for the team. The best way is to concentrate on your skills and your duties and Amir has to focus on his game and what he has to do. He is doing well.”

Pakistan Head Coach Mickey Arthur echoed his sentiments as well. The newly appointed South African affirmed, “His (Amir’s) training has been excellent and he’s fitted back into the team exceptionally well.

Arthur maintained, “It’s up to me and the coaching staff to make him the best he can possibly be in these conditions. We all understand he's going to be under the microscope and he realizes that too. The way he’s trying to handle that is to let his performances do the talking.“