Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir announces retirement from Test cricket

NEW DELHI: Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir on Friday announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. The left-arm pacer however reaffirmed his commitment to playing white ball cricket for his country.
The 27-year-old, Amir who made his Test debut at the age of 17 in 2009 against Sri Lanka, represented Pakistan in 36 Tests and grabbed 119 wickets at an average of 37.40.
“It has been an honour to represent Pakistan in the pinnacle and traditional format of the game. I, however, have decided to move away from the longer version so I can concentrate on white ball cricket," Amir said in a statement.
“Playing for Pakistan remains my ultimate desire and objective, and I will try my best to be in the best physical shape to contribute in the team’s upcoming challenges, including next year’s ICC T20 World Cup.
“It has not been an easy decision to make and I have been thinking about this for some time. But with the ICC World Test Championship commencing shortly, and Pakistan boasting some very exciting young fast bowlers, it is appropriate that I call on my time in Test cricket so that the selectors can plan accordingly, Amir added.
Amir played his last Test for Pakistan against South Africa in January 2019 where he claimed four wickets.
Amir registered four five-wicket hauls during his Test career and registered a career-best 6/44 against West Indies in Kingston in 2017.
One of the major disappointment of Amir's Test career was his unfortunate involvement in the spot-fixing scandal in 2011 in England where he was one of three Pakistan players jailed for his part in the infamous episode.
After serving three months in prison and a five-year ban from all forms of cricket, Amir returned to the Pakistan squad in January 2016.
The left-arm bowler has since excelled in limited-overs cricket, helping Pakistan to the Champions Trophy title in 2017.
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