Cook eyes feisty contest with ‘danger man’ Amir

Former England captain believes left-armer is Pakistan’s most potent bowling threat

KARACHI: Veteran England opener Alastair Cook has tipped Pakistan fast-bowler Mohammad Amir to be the real threat ahead of the upcoming series and hoped that the home side will be able to neutralise his presence.

Amir claimed 12 wickets at an average of 42.41 and dismissed Cook twice during the 2016 series in England.

“He is obviously their danger man and he's a very skilful bowler,” said Cook of Amir, as per Sky Sports, with the two having shared the dressing room with while playing at Essex last year. “I know him from his time at Essex, he's a very proud Essex player now and it'll be good to have that battle with him. When Pakistan were here in 2016, we played him pretty well and we've got to do the same this time around.”



Cook, who has played over 150 Test matches for the Three Lions, wants England to keep momentum on their side because of Pakistan’s canny ability to dominate proceedings as soon as they find a sniff of an opportunity.

“They are very talented cricketers but it is a bit like the French rugby team back in the day, you're not quite sure which side is going to turn up,” he said. “They're great frontrunners, they love getting their noses ahead and we've got to start well and not let that happen.”

The first Test between the two sides will take place at Lord’s, which is the home of cricket, and Cook is eager to be part of a fascinating encounter with the Sarfraz Ahmed-led unit.

“Lord's is a very special place and it doesn't matter how many times you've played, you always look forward to the week of a home Test match here,” said the former England captain. “This time we'll be up against a mercurial Pakistan side.”