XtraTime Web Desk: Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis on Thursday said Mohammad Amir can only get into the team once he proves he is “up to the mark”. There has been a lot of debate in the Pakistan media about the inclusion of the left arm pacer. Amir will reach England on Friday after his second COVID-19 tests returned negative.
Talking to the media over a virtual conference at Derby, Waqar said, “The doors are never shut for anyone even if they have played for Pakistan or (are) yet to play,”
Pakistan in recent years has seen the rise of promising fast bowlers like Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah. On being asked what was the necessity of calling Amir when there is a string of fast bowlers in England, Waqar said, “In a way it’s actually good that he came and young players can actually learn from him,” said Waqar, himself a formidable swing bowler of his era.”
He added, “But we will prioritise those who are doing well, and they are definitely going to get a go. With 29 players here, there’s a good healthy competition and that’s a great luxury.”
Amir, who retired from the longer format last year, was heavily criticized by former cricketers including Waqar.
“He is a seasoned bowler and at times it did hurt when he left test cricket at a crucial time and we all expressed our displeasure on it. But we have moved on and we have to see where he stands. If he’s up to the mark, then we will pick him and play him. But nobody is indispensable. I never thought we couldn’t function without one cricketer.”