Amir feared ban would end his career

Amir: Everybody has the right to their own opinion, and the crowd has the right to say some things, but my aim is to do well and behave. If I perform, hopefully they will forgive me and they will shout for me one day.

Pakistan bowler Mohammad Amir is confident of performing well in England in July.

Mohammad Amir feared his cricket career would be brought to a premature end when he was served a five-year ban for spot-fixing as the Pakistan quick prepares to return to the scene of the crime. The 24-year-old paceman was suspended after being found guilty of deliberately bowling no balls during the fourth Test against England at Lord's in 2010. Amir made his international comeback on the tour of New Zealand in January and was recalled to the Test squad for the upcoming four-match series against England.

The left-armer was not sure if he would get the opportunity to showcase his talents on the international stage again and is determined to seize his chance by becoming the best bowler in the world. "Life was very tough and there were times I thought I might not be able to play again. I didn't pick up a ball for three years." he told Sky Sports. "It was very depressing for me, because as a professional, it's very difficult when you can't use the facilities, play cricket, you can't even touch the ball, so what are you going to do then?

"They are terrible memories, but now they are helping me because I've learned a lot and I want to be a better human being, and a better behaved cricketer. "I am still learning. Nobody can be Mr Perfect. But the past is the past and I'm looking forward now. I want to be the best cricketer I can be for my country. If I work hard, the main aim for me is to be the world's best bowler. "It's very special for me to be representing my country again and at the same place which it ended; same team, same crowd. I think for me it's a miracle, but dreams come true."

Pakistan and England start the Test series at Lord's on July 14 and Amir is eager to hit the ground running in the longest format if he gets his chance. "Lord's is a very special place, I have good and bad memories but now I hope to make more good memories for the future. I want to put my name on the honours board, like in 2010." he added. "Everybody has the right to their own opinion, and the crowd has the right to say some things, but my aim is to do well and behave. If I perform, hopefully they will forgive me and they will shout for me one day.

"England are a good team, and especially in home conditions they are very good, but we will work hard and try to beat them."