Cricket: Pakistan captain resolves issues with Amir

Pakistan's Mohammad Amir bowling. Photo / www.photosport.nz

Pakistan captain Azhar Ali claims to have resolved his issues with convicted spot-fixer Mohammad Amir and aims to "get the best out of him" if the left-armer comes under his leadership tomorrow in the opening one-day international against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve.

Ali tendered his resignation as captain when it became clear Amir would be readmitted to the side for this limited overs series.

The 30-year-old took over as one-day skipper in April after Misbah-ul-Haq retired from limited overs cricket after the World Cup.

Last month Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan said he had changed Ali's mind, saying the team "cannot afford a crisis at this time".

Ali and former Twenty20 captain Mohammad Hafeez refused to train with Amir in the national team's fitness camp in Lahore but returned after being threatened with disciplinary action.

Speaking to media today, Ali said he expected no problems.

"He bowled well in the T20s. My job is to try to get the best out of him."

"This is a cricket board domain, not my domain. We have moved on, we are united and looking forward to the challenge."

"Whatever my stance was, my job is to lead and keep harmony in the dressing room."

That might mean his left-armer bowls into north-west breezes upwards of 30km/h.
Amir took one for 100 from 11 overs in the T20 series.

Ali also has a raft of other left-arm options at his disposal with Mohammad Irfan, Wahab Riaz and Rahat Ali in the squad.

"Sometimes that can be to your advantage. Not everyone has them and each has good pace.

"Obviously we will try to put a combination together which suits these conditions and the wind factor. We've been practicing bowling into it, everyone is ready."