Amir likely to play in Champions Trophy final against India

Image
Press Trust of India London
Last Updated : Jun 16 2017 | 9:22 PM IST
Pakistan's pace spearhead Mohammad Amir is likely to be fit for selection for the ICC Champions Trophy title clash against India on Sunday.
Speaking to the media after Amir took part in an entire training session today, Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood confirmed that the speedster, who missed the semi-final against England due to a back spasm, was fit but did not categorically say whether he will play at the Oval on Sunday.
A back spasm had ruled Amir out of the semi-final on June 14, after he failed a fitness test shortly before the toss.
"Amir bowled today (at the nets). Amir is fit. We have not decided about (playing him)," Mahmood said here today.
Despite bowling well, Amir went wicketless in the first two group matches, against India and South Africa.
Against Sri Lanka, he took 2 for 53 and scored a valuable 28 not out in an eighth-wicket partnership, which sealed a semi-final place for Pakistan.
"When you go to a final, you want your experienced player, you want him to be fully fit and participating on that particular day.
"But (we have told him) if he has any doubt he should let us know. At the moment he bowled today. He is fine. Yeah, definitely you would go with Amir, but we don't mind if Amir can't play. If he is not fit, then we have to move on."
In the semi-final, Amir was replaced by Rumman Raees, another left-arm fast bowler who made his ODI debut in the match.
Bowling with the new ball, Raees took 2 for 44 in Pakistan's eight-wicket victory.
Mahmood said they have enough bench strength.
"We have the bench strength. Last match, when Amir was not there, people were worried about our main strike bowler not playing. But the way Rumman Raees came in and bowled, it showed we have the bench strength.
"We have guys who have such skill and such an ability that they can perform on any stage. It is just a matter of self belief and confidence. I think anyone can replace anyone.

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Jun 16 2017 | 9:22 PM IST

Next Story