'Smart kid' Amir ready for Kiwi challenge, says Waqar

Pakistan's head coach Waqar Younis has welcomed Mohammad Amir's return to international cricket, saying that the fast bowler is working on his game and is absolutely ready to face New Zealand in the upcoming series.

Earlier, the 23-year-old was included in the ODI and T20 squad for the forthcoming series against New Zealand after getting clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Waqar insisted that the team management would monitor how the left-armer would perform under pressure, the Dawn reported.

He, however, hoped that the 'smart' kid is up for the challenge ahead.

Echoing similar views, T20 skipper Shahid Afridi revealed that Amir was getting better each day, insisting that it was good to have world's best bowler back into the team.

Afridi also expressed confidence on his entire squad, saying that Pakistan had got energetic players and they were really capable to beat any team in the world.

Amir, along with former skipper Salman Butt and Mohammad Asif, were found guilty of various offences of corrupt behaviour relating to the Lords Test between England and Pakistan in August 2010 by the independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal on February 5, 2011.

Pakistan will play a three-match T20 series and three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting from Friday in Auckland.