Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir retires from Test cricket

Pakistan’s ace fast bowler Mohammad Amir has announced his retirement from Test cricket. In a statement provided to PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board), the 27-year old has stated that he wants to focus on white-ball cricket and shall not participate in the longest format of the game. Before being tainted by the spot-fixing scandal, Amir was the next big thing in swing bowling.

Also read: CWC 2019: Mohammad Amir rekindles his English fire

In the retirement statement, Amir said, “It has been an honour to represent Pakistan in the pinnacle and traditional format of the game. I, however, have decided to move away from the longer version so I can concentrate on white ball cricket.

“Playing for Pakistan remains my ultimate desire and objective, and I will try my best to be in the best physical shape to contribute in the team’s upcoming challenges, including next year’s ICC T20 World Cup.”

Amir further added, “I want to thank all my team-mates as well the opponents in red ball cricket. It has been a privilege to play with and against them…I also want to thank the PCB for providing me the opportunity to don the golden star on my chest. And, I am grateful to my coaches who have groomed me at various stages of my career.”

The left-arm seamer made his Test debut as a 17-year old against Sri Lanka at Galle. After a very promising start, his speeding career came to an abrupt halt after the spot-fixing incident. He returned to all formats in 2015 but his performances in Tests have been underwhelming. Amir will retire with 119 scalps from 36 Tests at an average of 30.47 with 6/44 being his best bowling figures.