adminLAHORE. — Fast bowler Mohammad Amir has been named in Pakistan’s Test cricket squad to face England in a four-match series starting next month, six years after he received a spot-fixing ban against the same opponents.
The 24-year-old, who also served a custodial sentence for the offence, is expected to receive his British visa in the next couple of days following a special request for leniency from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Amir along with then-Pakistan captain Salman Butt and new-ball partner Mohammad Asif, were found guilty of arranging deliberate no-balls in return for money during the Lord’s Test against England in August 2010.
In addition to receiving custodial sentences, all three players were banned for five years.
Since returning from his suspension last September Amir has been a regular feature in Pakistan’s one-day and Twenty20 sides but has yet to make his return to Tests.
His good form makes him an automatic choice for the team. Barring any visa problem or injury, he is set to open the bowling for Pakistan when they take the field for the first Test on July 14 at Lord’s — the same venue where he committed his offence six years earlier.
Chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq said Amir would receive a visa. — AFP.
Online Reporter