Amir’s poor form worries Arthur

KARACHI: When Pakistan swam against the tide to win the ICC Champions Trophy in England, one of their heroes was comeback star Mohammad Amir.

But with just weeks to go before the ICC World Cup gets underway in England, the left-arm pacer’s indifferent form is a cause of major concern for the Pakistan.

Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s head coach, admitted on Tuesday that Amir’s form has been a worry, but he remains confident he will bounce back ahead of the World Cup. The event will run from May 30 to July 14 in England and Wales, with Pakistan opening their campaign against the West Indies at Trent Bridge on May 31.

The 26-year-old Amir has been struggling to take wickets, having taken just five wickets in 14 ODI matches since the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final in June. He went for 59 runs in his nine wicket-less overs in the first ODI against Australia on Friday and was subsequently left out of the playing line-up for the second match two days later.

“Yes, Amir’s form is a worry and nobody is more worried than Amir,” said Arthur. “I still think he is an incredibly skilled bowler and has all the attributes to be successful. He has got a big match temperament and we will see how we use him going forward.”

Arthur admitted recalled batsman Umar Akmal was getting better. “Discipline-wise, there is a change, definitely,” the coach replied when asked about Umar’s discipline. The middle-order batsman was withdrawn from the squad a week before the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 after failing a fitness test.

He has scored 49 and 16 in the two matches against Australia. “I can’t sit here and fault as the way he has come into the team. The way he has prepared, he has been very good. He has done a good job while being in this environment. He knows the standings are to be in this environment to be in contention for a berth going forward. I can’t fault his attitude.

“The fitness has got better but has work to do in fitness. The fitness test is on 14 April and to be eligible to go for World Cup, you need to pass that fitness test."