Mohammad Amir has been a newsmaker ever since he made burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old. Nine years later, nothing has changed. Amir still produces jaw-dropping deliveries, giving sleepless nights to batsmen. If anything at all, the load of expectations has increased, which sometimes becomes a burden on one of the most talented left-arm pacers in the world.
In Pakistan’s preparatory game against Kent on Tuesday, despite being far from his best, Amir produced a delivery that is still being talked about.
In the 56th over of the Kent innings, Amir literally shattered the stumps of Kent middle order batsman Alex Blake, who had no idea how to deal with the pace and accuracy of that Amir yorker. Blake's off and middle stump were uprooted as the ball tailed back in with pace to cramp him for room.
It certainly caught the admiring attention of Kent assistant coach Allan Donald, the former South Africa fast bowler.
"When you saw him knocking over those 'poles' that's exactly what you expect from him -- so much skill, so much imagination and creativity to produce that sort of thing on flat pitches."
"When I saw this kid a few years ago, he's one of the most skilful that's going around," Donald said.
Amir did not manage to get another wicket in the rain-affected tour game, in which Kent enjoyed an upper hand over Pakistan, after bowling them out for 168 and reaching 209 for 4 at close of play.
Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mahmood, however, contemplates that they would rely heavily on Amir when they take on Ireland in the historic Test match followed by a two-match Test series against England.
"We want more from Amir, as bowling coach I want more from Amir," Mahmood said after the paceman took one wicket for 45 runs in 15 overs against Kent.
Pakistan next face Northamptonshire before providing the opposition for Ireland's inaugural Test.