Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq believes Mohammad Amir can now get on with the rest of his career after the seamer played his part in an impressive win on his return to Lord's.
Amir claimed the final scalp on Sunday as the tourist - inspired by Yasir Shah's 10-wicket match haul - dismissed England for 207 to claim a 75-run victory in the first Test of four.
Reflecting on the comeback of Amir, who served a five-year ban from international cricket for his part in a spot-fixing scandal that overshadowed Pakistan's last visit to Lord's in 2010, Misbah said: "He's part of the team that has won the Test match. it will be one of the memorable days of his life and from here he can start his career again.
"He's a good kid now, he's a mature cricketer and he can prove to everyone that he's a good bowler."
Chris Woakes was a star performer for England, claiming 11 wickets while also making gritty contributions with the bat in each of his side's innings.
Yet Pakistan, aided by a century from the 42-year-old Misbah on day one, were not to be denied a famous win.
"It's been a remarkable turnaround after the 2010 incident," Misbah added.
"It is one of the top wins as a captain and as a Pakistan team. I'm really proud of the team."
Misbah marked his first-innings century by performing 10 press-ups in the middle, a celebration he subsequently explained as a tribute to the men who prepared Pakistan for their tour at an army fitness camp in Abbottabad.
Pakistan's players all followed suit with press-ups of their own after victory was sealed on Sunday, while also performing salutes.
"The team was really hoping that we got a chance to send a small tribute to all those army men who worked really hard with us at the boot camp," Misbah explained.
"We learned, they are getting not much salary but for the Pakistani flag and nation, they want to sacrifice their lives. That’s a big motivation for all of us, and we will try to win all our games."
Comments
SHARE