Mohammad Amir joins Pakistan squad in England after clearing COVID-19 tests

Mohammad Amir (IANS)

Derby, July 30: Left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir has joined the Pakistan squad after clearing two successive COVID-19 tests since his arrival in the United Kingdom. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Thursday confirmed the same.

"Fast bowler Mohammad Amir has joined the Pakistan squad in Derby after clearing both COVID-19 tests. Amir left for England from Lahore on July 24 and, as per the UK government's guidelines, was in isolation for a period of five days during which he was tested twice," the PCB said in a statement on its official website.

PCB also said that fast bowler Haris Rauf, who had earlier tested positive, has been cleared and is soon expected to join the rest of the Pakistan squad in England.

"Fast bowler Haris Rauf has cleared his second COVID-19 test and is eligible to join the squad in England. As per the protocols he was tested twice – Monday and Wednesday," the cricket board said.

"He is expected to travel over the weekend. Details of his travel plan will be shared in due course."

Pakistan's tour of England starts with three Test matches starting August 5 at Manchester.

Amir will feature in the three-match T20I series to be played in a bio-secure environment at the Old Trafford, Manchester starting August 28.

Recently, Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis said the decision to call-up Amir to join the squad in England was a positive move and there are no ill-feelings with the pacer despite the criticism he received after calling time on his Test career in 2018.

"With Amir, it is not just about this series but even going forward to see where he stands. It's a positive move. He was a part of our white-ball team anyway," Waqar had told reporters via videoconference.

"He is an experienced fast bowler, if he is bowling well, we will see... The camp offers us the time to assess not just for this series, but even going forward to understand who we can take forward, who needs to improve.

"Not only Amir, but we can also bring in someone else as well. Going forward, there is a lot of cricket coming," he added.