Azhar Mahmood: “We have to do work on his fitness”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood has noted that left-arm seamer Mohammad Amir has to work on his fitness in order to regain his form with the ball.

Amir has struggled to take wickets, especially in ODIs, where he has claimed five wickets in 14 ODIs at a dismal average of 92.60 since the Champions Trophy final in 2017.

Amir was also dropped for the second and third ODIs against Australia after he conceded 59 runs from his nine overs in the first match last Friday.

Mahmood pointed out that since Amir represents Pakistan in all three formats, it is even more important for him to be fit.

Once Amir improves his fitness levels, Mahmood is confident that the 26-year-old will be among the wickets on a regular basis.

“Amir is a wonderful bowler. But since he returned, he was playing non-stop cricket so we have to do work on his fitness,” Mahmood was quoted as saying by PakPassion. “If Amir is fit and bowling well then we know he is a wicket-taker.

“The reason for that is playing three formats, in limited overs you bowl a bit shorter. Amir is a swing bowler and that’s what makes him dangerous. On a Sharjah type wicket, you have to bowl a bit shorter so his ball isn’t swinging but he’s working hard and I hope he’ll come back strong.”