Mohammad Amir could be a lethal weapon to have in English conditions: Shoaib Akhtar

Pakistan sprung quite a number of surprises in their 15-man World Cup squad announced on Thursday. The biggest of the lot is definitely the absence of left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir. However, not many can argue against the decision. Amir has looked like the pale shadow of his usual self in recent months. He is not even close to the bowler that blew away India in the final of the Champions Trophy a couple of years away.

Amir had dismissed Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli right at the start cheaply to lay the foundation of Pakistan’s historic triumph in England in 2017. But since then his form has been a major area of concern. The left-arm pacer has just not managed to rediscover his wicket-taking ability. Since that stunning display in the final of the Champions Trophy final, Amir has taken just five ODI wickets in 101 overs at an average of 92.60 per wicket.

But then again, Amir’s potential and the devastation he can cause is very much known to one and all. No surprises then many are taken aback by Pakistan’s decision to leave him out. Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar is also one of them. The legendary pacer feels that Amir ‘could be lethal’ in English conditions and wished the pacer luck, tweeting:

“I still think @iamamirofficial could be a lethal weapon to have in English conditions. He has a chance to prove that in the England series and be selected for World Cup by May 23rd. Good luck Amir, you can do it.”

I still think @iamamirofficial could be a lethal weapon to have in English conditions. He has a chance to prove that in the England series and be selected for World Cup by May 23rd. Good luck Amir, you can do it.

— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) April 18, 2019

Akhtar has mentioned May 23 in his tweet because while the deadline to announce squads is April 23, teams can make changes till May 23 without seeking permission from the ICC’s event technical committee.

Not all lost for Amir

Despite the initial snub, Amir could still make it to the World Cup. The senior pacer has been named in Pakistan’s 17-man squad for the upcoming T20I and ODI series against England. A good display in the English conditions against the formidable hosts could very much change Amir’s fortunes.

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