ENG vs PAK 2018: Winning the Series in England Will be the Best Memory of My Life - Mohammad Amir

Eight years ago, an 18-year old Mohammad Amir had become the public enemy number one in Pakistan after being involved in spot-fixing during the Lord’s Test.

It was a setback that could have well ended Amir’s career very much there, but he was fortunate enough to get another chance to correct his wrongdoings.

While Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, the other two involved in the scandal, are still awaiting a call from the national team, the prodigious left-arm pacer made a return to international cricket in 2016 after serving a five-year ban.

And fast forward 2018, the left-arm pacer is now once again hogging the limelight while being in England albeit for all the right reasons.

Amir has put Pakistan on the verge of sealing a historic Test series in England.

Pakistan are currently leading the two-Test series 1-0 after winning the first game at Lord’s by nine wickets. Amir had taken five wickets in the game including four in the second innings. The series’ fate will now be decided in Headingley Test, starting Friday.

Amir is now desperately waiting to win the series. The pacer said the win would be the highest point of his career.

“It’s a big achievement winning in Test cricket in England against England at home,” he said. “If we win the series I think it will be the best memory of my life.”

Amir further said the win at Lord’s is a thing of past now. He went on to add England’s wounded pride will ensure the hosts push them much harder.

“Winning games at Lord’s – the home of cricket – it is very hard to win (in England). We did well at Lord’s, but it’s passed now,” he said.

“Everybody knows England are a very good side – I think one of the best sides in Test cricket – and they will come harder at us here. But we are ready for that challenge,” he added.

Pakistan’s victory in the first Test was built on the success of their pacers. Amir believes they all have Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood to thank for their success.

“Credit goes to all the bowlers, especially Mohammad Abbas. He’s bowling very well – and Hasan Ali,” Amir said.

“But credit goes to Azhar Mahmood as well. He’s working hard with us and keeps telling us, ‘Pitch the ball up, pitch the ball up’. I think that was the main difference at Lord’s.

“We are looking for the same here, and I always give the credit to Azhar Mahmood because he is working so hard – and he is the man behind this,” he added.