Mohammad Amir to curtail Tests to extend career

Mohammad Amir has cited workload issues for deciding to cut down on Test match cricket

What's the story?

Pakistan's pace spearhead Mohammad Amir has decided to limit his participation in Test cricket in order to aim for a prolonged international cricketer. The idea had been discussed with head coach Mickey Arthur, thus leading to his focus on limited-overs cricket more than the longest format. “With every passing day I'm getting older and I know fans want me to play. But if you look rationally I'm human and not an iron man. My passion is still there and I want to be there for fans, serving the country for a long time,” the 25-year-old told ESPNcricinfo.

In case you didn't know..

Ever since the left-arm paer has returned to international cricket in early 2016 following a five-year ban from the sport for his involvement in spot-fixing during the Lord's Test against England in 2010, Amir has played 16 Tests, besides being actively involved in ODIs and T20s, thus making him a regular across formats.

Since the period of his comeback, he has bowled more overs in international cricket than any other Pakistan bowler has, and his sixth on the list of all fast bowlers worldwide. In addition to that, he has bowled in county cricket and featured in T20 leagues too.

The heart of the matter

Amir cited excessive cricket as the reason behind choosing to rest himself from Test cricket at certain periods, having missed 43 Tests during the period of serving the ban. "Cricket is different since 2010 and if you look back I have lost five precious years of my career. I have played 30 Tests so far. I think in the next few years I might miss a few and possibly I might end up with 50 Tests,” he said.

"I came to an agreement with Mickey and with so much cricket we need to follow a rotation policy so that everyone is fresh and fully fit for the country. His planning ahead of the 2019 World Cup is working very well. I didn't say I don't want to play Test cricket but that I want to weave myself in, resting for a few and playing the important games.”

What's next?

Pakistan players have just finished with the Pakistan Super League, and are scheduled to host West Indies at home for a series of three T20s to be held on consecutive days from April 1, in whose squad Amir has been included. All matches will be held at Karachi with international cricket returning to the city for the first time since 2009.

Author's Take

With one modern cricketer after another shunning Test cricket citing workload issues – AB de Villiers' was the best example with multiple England players opting to focus on white-ball cricket only – the purest form of the game runs the risk of losing out on some of the best cricketers soon. And with Pakistan scheduled to play a Test in Ireland followed by two in England later this year, Amir's selection will be a debatable issue considering his ability to turn the match with his pace and swing.