World Cup 2019: Mohammad Amir declared fit, set to make WC debut

There was speculation that Amir might not be able to make his World Cup debut at Trent Bridge. But Sarfraz cleared the air a day ahead of the game against West Indies

In a major relief to Pakistan, ace speedster Mohammad Amir has been declared fit to participate in their opening World Cup match against the West Indies on Friday. Skipper Sarfraz Ahmed confirmed the development on Friday during the pre-match press conference. There was speculation that Amir, who missed the last four matches of the ODI series against England earlier this month, might not be able to make his World Cup debut at Trent Bridge. “Amir is fully fit and available for selection for tomorrow's game,” Sarfaraz told the reporters. Amir, who missed the 2011 and 2015 World Cups due to a five-year ban for spot-fixing, was seen bowling using his full run-up in the team's practice session. Sarfaraz said he hoped the team could put behind them a streak of 10 straight ODI defeats. “Yes, we have lost 10 matches but we have to forget that and start the World Cup journey,” he said. Sarfaraz said both Pakistan and the West Indies were unpredictable teams. “It's good to be unpredictable so all teams are scared of you. Yes, we are unpredictable and we will take that tag, so are the West Indies,” said the skipper. West Indies, who sneaked through last year's qualifying round to feature in this year's event, piled up 421 against New Zealand in a warm-up match on Tuesday. With their powerful batting including Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope and Andre Russell, Pakistan will be hard-pressed to contain them. But Sarfaraz said taking wickets will be the key. “If you want to contain any team you have to take wickets whoever you play, so it's important to put pressure by taking wickets,” he said.