Adaptation no problem for Aamer

Mohammad Aamer continued with the stellar impact he showed in the ICC World Twenty20 in England in June

Buy this photo

Pakistan fast bowler and Test debutant Mohammad Aamer explained how he focused on hitting the seam on his first day in Test cricket to help dismiss Sri Lanka for under 300 in Galle.

The 17-year-old left-arm bowler, who rose to prominence in the ICC World Twenty20 in England, was handed his first Test cap in Galle.

The paceman did not disappoint, picking up a wicket in his first over and claiming the scalps of Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara and Tillakaratne Dilshan later in the innings.

Aamer’s early blows left the hosts reeling at 21 for two, but the tourists let the advantage slip and Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for a respectable 292 in seam-friendly conditions.

Pakistan then conceded the advantage, losing both openers and ending the day on 15 for two.

“There was a lot of pressure as this was a big match – my debut match in Test cricket,” Aamer said.

“For a youngster on debut in international cricket it is always a little difficult as there is always the constant wonder if you are doing the right thing the right way.

“But thankfully for me, the management and the senior players in the side have given me a lot of confidence and support. Thankfully for me, it has paid off.

“There was a little moisture on the pitch and at the start Younus (Khan) said it would not swing but seam.

“So I concentrated on seam movement and the basics. The weather here is hot and humid and it’s a little difficult for a fast bowler.

“But if you bowl an accurate line and if you bowl to your natural strengths, you can pick up wickets in any conditions.”

With Shoaib Akhtar, Mohammad Asif and Sohail Tanvir all out of action for various reasons, Pakistan’s shortage of fast bowlers had pushed Aamer from obscurity to international stardom in quick time.

Aamer said he had former Pakistan fast bowlers Wasim Akram and Aaqib Javed to thank.

“Yes I didn’t think I would get a Test cap so quickly in my career,” he said. “I have to thank my parents first off for their prayers and support.

“Wasim helped me with my action and Aaqib has also given me inputs and I’m thankful to both of them.

“It’s going well so far and I’m pretty relaxed. Hopefully it will continue to go well for me."