Karachi [Pakistan], Dec.9 : Former Australian Test skipper Mike Hussey has heaped praise on Mohammad Amir, saying that the Pakistan fast-bowler is an `outstanding` talent despite all that he had to go through due to the spot-fixing episode.
Amir, along with fast bowler Mohammad Asif and former skipper Salman Butt, were found guilty of various offences of corrupt behaviour relating to the Lord's Test between England and Pakistan in August 2010 by the independent Anti-Corruption Tribunal in February 2011.
Amir, however, made an impressive return to the international cricket this year by taking 12 wickets in four Tests during Pakistan's tour of England.
"He's an outstanding talent. I know he's been through a lot in a short career really, but I'm personally happy to see him back playing international cricket.
I feel like he's done his time and he's a class bowler," the Express Tribune quoted Hussey as saying. The 24-year-old Pakistan, who served a five-year ban for spot-fixing, also showed his prowess with the pink ball when he dismissed two Cricket Australia XI batsmen on the first two balls of hosts' innings in Cairns during the recent day-night tour match ahead of the upcoming Test series between two countries.
Hussey, famously known as Mr. Cricket, insisted that Amir is equally good with the new and old balls and, therefore, his presence would surely benefit the Pakistan side in the upcoming Australia tour.
"Again, he's someone that bowls extremely well with the new ball but is also very good with the old ball as well .He's highly skilled, along with some of their other left-armers, so it's going to be a great contest between bat and ball," Hussey said.
Describing Amir as an `unbelievable` player, the former Australian southpaw insisted that although it was a shame to be involved in spot-fixing activities, it would have surely made the pacer a better player.
"We've always thought that the Pakistanis have amazingly talented players. Wow, this guy's unbelievable', and Mohammad Amir was no different. He was young, talented, keen to do well, passionate sort of guy," Hesson said. Pakistan will now head to Australia for the three-match Test series beginning on December 15 at the Gabba.
Source: ANI
