It Is Too Early To Talk About A Test Return - Mohammad Amir

Former Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Amir said it is very early to talk about his return to the red-ball format on the international stage.

Amir, who announced retirement from Test cricket in July 2019 for Pakistan, was named replacement for compatriot Naseem Shah for Gloucestershire county cricket club in the ongoing County Championship Division One.

Mohammad Amir picked the first wickets for Gloucestershire against Hampshire

Amir picked 119 Test scalps in 36 games at 30.48 between 2009 and 2019 for the Pakistan National team. On his return to the red-ball format after more than three years, the left-arm speedster went wicketless against Surrey. But Amir picked a couple of wickets in the ongoing match against Hampshire, including the trapping of skipper James Vince in front of the stumps.

It is too early to talk about a Test return: Mohammad Amir

Last month reports emerged that Amir is considering an international return amid the possibility of Ramiz Raja stepping down as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman. When Amir was asked about returning to the Test side, the Punjab-born pace bowler seemed disinterested in it and chose to focus on playing for Gloucestershire.

“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. I am playing after three years so it isn’t easy as a fast bowler,” Amir said from the sidelines 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,” he added. 

Amir retired from international cricket in December 2020 citing differences with the team management. The 30-year-old player openly criticized then head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis for mentally torturing him.

Also Read: Mohammad Amir To Consider Comeback In International Cricket – Reports