2017 ICC Champions Trophy 2017: Mohammad Amir Declared Fit For Final Showdown Against India

Just ahead of the Champions Trophy final against arch-rivals India, Pakistan have received a huge injury boost with their pace spearhead Mohammad Amir declared fit for the summit clash on Sunday (June 18). Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, on Friday (June 16), said that the left-arm pacer has regained full fitness to play against India and has already been bowling in the nets.

The 25-year old missed the semifinal against England on Wednesday (June 14) due to a back spasm and was replaced by debutant Rumman Raees who made an immediate impact, taking 2 for 44 in the nine overs. However, with Amir regaining full fitness, Raees is likely to be dropped to the bench for the all-important clash.

“Amir did bowl today, he is fit,” Azhar told the journalists at The Oval. “We want to introduce a culture in Pakistan cricket where we should have bench strength. Like Amir could not play the last match but Raees came in for him. We want to ensure that we have players with the skill and ability to perform on any stage.”

Pakistan’s march to the final of the tournament has been nothing short of inspirational. After conceding 319 runs in 48 overs against India in the tournament-opener and losing it by 124 runs, the Men in Green defeated South Africa, Sri Lanka and then pre-tournament favorites England to make it to their maiden Champions Trophy final.
And Azhar gave the credit to the bowlers for the brilliant tournament. Pakistan had restricted South Africa to 219 for 8 and had bowled out Sri Lanka and the formidable England for 236 and 210 respectively.

“It didn’t happen overnight. It took us almost six months. And there is still room for further improvement. The guys are willing to learn and they want to perform. All the credit goes to the bowlers; I haven’t done anything miraculous,” Azhar said.

“The guys took extra responsibility and showed courage. The way they responded to their critics and the way they fought back, it shows how much hard work they did in the last six months,” he added.

The final between the two arch-rivals is going to be a mouth-watering clash. Both the teams have already met once in this tournament when the Men in Blue had thrashed Pakistan by a whopping margin of 124 runs. And although India will be the firm favorites for the high-voltage clash, one cannot count Pakistan out considering their current firm especially after the way they thoroughly outplayed hosts England.

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