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Former Pakistan bowler Mohammad Amir rated Naseem Shah higher than Australia's Mitchell Starc while picking his three favourite batters and bowlers from current crop of cricketers. Amir may also have taken a dig at Shaheen Afridi who has been one of the top bowlers for Pakistan across formats despite injury ruling him out of action for months.
“[Trent] Boult, he is number one for me, then Naseem Shah. These are bowlers, who I feel are complete bowlers and can play all formats. And third would be Mitchell Starc,” Amir said during a question and answer session on his Youtube channel.
Naseem has taken 42 wickets from 15 Tests at an unimpressive average of 36.14. In T20Is he has been economical but hasn't got many wickets. From 19 T20Is, he has 15 wickets to his name. However, his ODI record is impressive with 23 wickets from eight games at an average of 15.04 including two fifers.
Amir's list of three batters did not include any non-Asian player. He picked Virat Kohli as his favourite alongside Pakistan skipper whom he doesn't back in T20Is.
“Virat, Babar is my favourite apart from T20s. He is my favourite in Tests and ODIs. Finally, Shubman Gill, as I feel he will be the next big thing for India in future if he maintain his current form,” the left-arm pacer said.
Amir was asked about Pakistan's chances in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 in India. While Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is unsure of Pakistan's participation in the mega event due to political tensions between the two nations, Amir has backed them to be in the top four sides.
“Pakistan will be in the top four and you can’t write them off in Asian conditions,” the 31-year-old said.
Amir was also asked about the best coach he has played under to which he replied Mickey Arthur. The pacer made his last international appearance in 2020 in a T20I encounter against England. There have been reports of his international comeback but Amir has not made it official. Meanwhile, he continues to play in Pakistan Super League (PSL) and franchise cricket.
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