Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan cricket team manager Intikhab Alam has said that pacer Mohammad Amir is all set to play his first Test match against England at Lord’s on July 14, confirming the player is fully prepared for the international tour.

Amir’s expected return to the Test cricket at a ground where he last played in 2010 is a topic that seems to have generated a lot of hype. Understandably, the Pakistan team management is well aware of the hype surrounding the occasion, Intikhab said.

“We all know about circumstances surrounding his return but he is mentally prepared for this tour and he will be able to handle himself well,” he told an online news portal. He said that this wasn’t the first time Amir was touring a foreign country after returning to the international cricket and he also has been to England before.

“There is no doubt that our pace attack lacks the kind of experience that has been the hallmark of previous visiting Pakistan sides but I would caution against under-estimating their capabilities. They have all been bowling well in recent times and are physically fit and will provide a stern test for the England batsmen,” he said.

Speaking about the new head coach, he said they were very fortunate to have someone of the stature of Mickey Arthur as head coach for Pakistan. “He is working very hard with the team and the players are responding nicely and enthusiastically to his advice and comments.”