Mohammad Amir to play the Boxing Day Test despite niggles

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir, who injured himself during the first Test against Australia at the GABBA, is expected to play the upcoming Boxing day Test. The left-arm pacer was taken from the field on a motorised stretcher during last week’s first Test after digging his knee while fielding.

The left-arm quick appeared in agony and was absent from the field for a while before making a surprise return and continued to bowl. He had his knee strapped before a light bowling session in the nets at the MCG on Thursday.

Before inflicting the injury, Amir also got a large bruise on his thigh after the mercurial Mitchell Starc which smashed a 152.3km/h full toss in the Pakistan’s thighs on day four at the Gabba.

“There’s quite a bit of bruising on his thigh. He’s feeling a bit stiff but he’s alright. I think the guys are fit enough to go through (five days). I think our attack will probably be the same, Pakistan batting coach Grant Flower said.

“We don’t have that all-rounder (option). It’s one of those things. The guys are just going to have get through it.”

Tensions between Amir and Starc had been simmering throughout the innings before the delivery, which led to a heated exchange between the pair.

“There was just a bit of banter going on. Just the usual. I don’t think there was anything over the top. There were a couple of strong words exchanged but that’s part of the game.”

Pakistan will be high on confidence after their superb show of batting in the final innings of the opening Test. After being set a target of 490 runs, Pakistan, who were bowled out cheaply in the first innings, stunned the hosts with a sturdy batting display. Led by Asad Shafiq’s classic century and vital knocks from Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz and Yasir Shah, Pakistan came at a winning distance during the chase. Unfortunately, the Australia pulled back things in their favor at the right time to deny Pakistan a historic chase.