Mohammad Amir pondering Test retirement

On the eve of Pakistan’s final Test match of the 3-Test series, big news unfolded from the visiting camp. If speculations are to be believed, Pakistan pace bowling sensation, Mohammad Amir, is contemplating his future in Test cricket.

All of just 25, Amir has already played in 27 Test matches which are divided between his 5-year ban which was imposed in 2010 for spot-fixing. Since then, the left-arm fast bowler has appeared in 13 Tests picking 41 wickets at 34.66 runs per wicket. His returns are average but he is a much better bowler than that.

According to reports, Amir wants to concentrate on limited-overs cricket and even discussed it with his team management and teammates but with the news being leaked, the 25-year old is very upset. He has not made any official statement about his possible retirement from Test cricket.

“Amir himself is now upset that how this private discussion came out in the open and who leaked the discussions,” one report said. “The Pakistan Cricket Board and team management in West Indies are now investigating as to who is responsible for leaking out this private discussion,” it said.

Amir will follow in the footsteps of a lot of international cricketers who have chosen to end their test careers prematurely in order to prolong their international careers. But with age on his side, there is no real threat of Amir breaking down every now and again because he is quite fit and strong. Nothing is confirmed as of now until an official statement comes out from the man himself.

The third Test will kick start on May 10 which is of utmost importance for Pakistan. The retirement of legends Misbah and Younis coupled with Pakistan chasing a first Test series win in West Indies has put this game under the spotlight.

West Indies, though, will love to spoil the Pakistani party as they did in the second Test, winning the game by 106 runs.

Amir’s revelation shouldn’t shift the focus away from the game. Younis and Misbah deserve all the attention at the moment and will love to go off on a high.