Pakistan's Mohammad Amir takes a superb catch to dismiss West Indies' batsman Darren Bravo (AFP)
Sharjah - It takes time to regain rhythm, says Amir
Published: Mon 31 Oct 2016, 9:23 PM
Last updated: Tue 1 Nov 2016, 6:43 PM
The third Test between Pakistan and West Indies is still wide open after two days. The visitors are just 37 runs short of overhauling Pakistan's first innings total of 281.
On Tuesday, the West Indies batsmen will need to put their best foot forward in order to get a substantial lead if they are to harbour any hopes of posting a consolation win.
While talking to the media after Monday's play Pakistan's fast bowler Mohammad Amir said: "It is still an open game and we will try to get them out as early as possible tomorrow (Tuesday).
"It was tough for the bowlers today (Monday) because there was no help from the wicket. Me and Wahab have tried different variations to get wickets. The wicket is going to help spinners at later stages and I hope we have a chance to put West Indies under pressure."
Amir, who made a comeback to Test cricket recently, has yet to hit peak form.
"Playing Test cricket after a gap of five years is not very easy and I started with a tough England tour so it takes time to regain rhythm. But I feel I am reaching there and getting my rhythm back gradually.
"The swing was missing in England but now I have started getting into shape. Since my comeback I was playing T20 cricket and it has different demands. I was going wide of the crease earlier but now I have minimised it and worked on my arms and it is working.
"Next two tours (New Zealand and Australia) will be crucial for me. I've been to both countries earlier and pitches there help fast bowlers and with the exposure of playing at tracks like in UAE you definitely get a lot of confidence to do well there."
While answering a question about his absence from the Abu Dhabi Test, Amir said: "I have been playing for the last one year and I think fast bowlers need rest. Secondly, we have bowlers sitting at the bench and you never know me and Wahab can be injured at any stage. It is necessary to try the reserves and keep them match-fit."
Meanwhile, Kraigg Brathwaite, while talking to the media, said: "I think so far we are in a good position. Me and Jason need to build a big partnership to gain a healthy lead."
When asked about nervous 90s, Brathwaite said: "I have no worries. My target is to build a big lead for West Indies and that will be the only thing on my mind.
"We want to spend more time in the middle because the pitch is getting low and slow and cracking up a bit but it is not spinning sharply."
The opener was involved in three partnerships on Monday. He put on 83 runs with Roston Chase for the fifth wicket.
"Me and Chase went to school together and obviously we have good relationship. I told him to keep it as straight as possible because it is a kind of low pitch. So since we played straight we cobbled together a good partnership.
"I think we have done well as a batting unit though it was unfortunate Shane Dowrich departed late in the evening. Our aim is to take a big lead in the first innings and win the match."
liaqat@khaleejtimes.com
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