PHOTO COURTESY: PCB
The 31-year-old left-handed opener, who previously commented that Amir should have been banned for life, said despite all the off-field activities, the Pakistani quickie has enormous talent with the ball.
“There is one thing that is not in doubt when you discuss Amir – he can bowl,” he said. “Taking away all the off-field stuff, he will be a real challenge. He’s an exceptional talent,” he added.
Amir’s career set to come full circle
However, Cook did not shy away from mentioning the 24-year-old’s past and how it brought shame to the sport. “He was given a punishment at that time and he’s had to live with the consequences of what he’s done. He tarnished cricket,” he said. “I’m not saying anything that is out of order at all.”
Nevertheless, England’s Test captain said there is respect between both international sides [Pakistan and England], regardless of their differences in recent years.
“There have been some controversial moments in Pakistan-England Test series over the past 20 years, but actually the last series we played in the UAE both sides were spot on the way we played our cricket,” he said.
Cook warns Amir to expect abuse at Lord’s
“The spirit between both sides and respect towards each other was at the right level. Even with a bit more external stuff here about Amir coming back, hopefully we can continue that relationship. It’s good for the game,” he added.
Earlier, Cook warned the left-arm pacer to expect a hostile reception from fans when he takes to the pitch at Lord’s for the first Test on July 14.
“I’m sure there will be a reaction and that is right,” he had said. “That is part and parcel, and when you do something like that there are more consequences than just the punishment. That is something for him to cope with, whatever comes his way.”
This article originally appeared on SportsKeeda.
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