Amir Still Has World Cup Hope – Arthur

Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur says bowler Mohammad Amir still has a chance of making their squad for the World Cup.

Pace bowler Amir was not included in Pakistan’s provisional 15-man squad for this summer’s tournament in England and Wales, largely because of some poor recent form that has seen him take just five wickets from his last 101 overs in ODI cricket.

Amir has been included in Pakistan’s enlarged 17-man squad for the ODI series with England which precedes the World Cup and Arthur admits some good performances in that series could still see the 27-year-old secure his place at the tournament. “He is running well and his attitude has been outstanding,” Arthur said of Amir. “He’s been brilliant in the last couple of weeks and he will have opportunities in England to show us he still deserves a spot in the World Cup squad.” Spin bowler Yasir Shah is also looking to make a late claim for a place at the World Cup.

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The 32-year-old was not only left out of Pakistan’s provisional World Cup party, but also the squad for the series with England, although he has subsequently been called up for the latter due to the withdrawal of fellow leg-spinner Shadab Khan due to illness.

Arthur admits conditions in England will have a bearing on whether Yasir can make a late charge for a World Cup place. “If we get on a wicket that just grips a little bit, Yasir is a bowler we still feel can be a weapon for us,” Arthur added. “But time will tell on whether we pick him for the final World Cup squad.”