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Published 16 Aug, 2016 08:16pm

Amir's comeback a motivation to make international return, says Asif

KARACHI: Fast-bowler Mohammad Asif said watching Mohammad Amir play at the international level motivates him to make a return to the national side.

"For me Amir was the best bowler in the series against England. He would have taken more wickets had his catches been taken," Asif told DawnNews from Kabul on Tuesday.

Asif and Amir, along with former captain Salman Butt, were jailed in Britain after being found guilty of spot fixing at the 2010 Lord's Test against England.

Although Amir has returned to the national team in impressive style, Asif and Butt remain sidelined and have not been yet considered for Pakistan selection.

"I aim to impress the selectors in the upcoming domestic matches," said the 33-year-old right-arm pacer, who is currently playing league cricket in Afghanistan.

Asif, who has 165 international wickets in 72 contests across all formats, also said that he has been offered a coaching stint with Afghanistan team to groom young bowlers.

"Afghanistan's board wants me to coach their young fast bowlers in near future, but I am yet to decide about the offer," Asif said, adding: "My entire focus is to secure a place in Pakistan team at the moment."

Asif praised the national side's efforts during The Oval Test to level the series 2-2 against England. He said Pakistan is capable of putting up a good show in the future too.

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