Shoaib Akhtar, the legendary Pakistani speedster, has described Mohammad Amir as an invaluable asset to Pakistan cricket. Akhtar, infamous for his aggressive pace on the field, resorted to extolling Amir, acknowledging him as one of the best fast bowlers in the history of the country.
A Memorable Moment Against Australia
During an interview, Shoaib Akhtar remembered an incident during a match against Australia when Mohammad Amir shocked David Warner with his killer swing bowling. Akhtar narrated that though he himself was finding it hard to deal with Warner, Amir’s arrival completely bewildered the Australian batsman.
“I was getting slaughtered by David Warner, but when Amir arrived, Warner was all over the place. He didn’t know if he should come forward or go back. He was unable to read Amir’s swing or pace.”
This recollection speaks not only to Amir’s ability to swing bowl but also to his influence under pressure in those high-pressure situations in the game.
Amir’s Consistency and Excellence
Shoaib Akhtar went on to mention that the level of Mohammad Amir’s bowling from that match remains consistent even to this day. He stressed that Amir has always possessed high skill and accuracy levels, which continue to make him one of the most dependable fast bowlers in international cricket.
“The performance level Amir displayed then is the same now. He knows the match conditions and varies his bowling according to that. He knows precisely what line and length to bowl and how to place the field.”
Akhtar’s remarks reveal Amir’s methodical attitude towards the game, reflecting his thorough comprehension of cricket dynamics and his strategic approach to bowling.
Amir’s Commitment to Constant Improvement
Shoaib Akhtar also appreciated Amir’s dedication to self-upgradation. He disclosed that Amir has a rigorous pre-match regimen, which involves warming up by bowling three to four overs before every game. While warming up, Amir spends time evaluating his bowling and perfecting his skills, which is now an integral part of his regular practice regimen.
“Amir always practices three to four overs prior to every game. In warm-up sessions, he observes his bowling and practices improving. This is his usual routine.”
This discipline in his preparation says a lot about Amir’s professionalism and his commitment to high performance on the field.
A Message to Management: Understand the Needs of Players
In his exchange, Shoaib Akhtar also raised a significant point on team administration. He said that in order for the administration to thrive, they should be able to see through the pain and requirements of their players. Failure to empathize, Akhtar opined that the current leaders have no right to hold on to their offices.
“If the management can’t understand the pain and requirements of the players, then they have no right to stay in office.”
Akhtar’s comment underlines the significance of a sympathetic and liberal management framework for the players, which is essential for the long-term success of a team.
Final Thoughts
Shoaib Akhtar’s comments solidify Mohammad Amir’s importance to Pakistan cricket, not only due to his prowess on the field but also because of his professional demeanor and dedication to self-improvement. As one of Pakistan’s most gifted fast bowlers, Amir’s impact on the team is undeniable, and his method of playing the game remains a model for young cricketers around the world.