Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, the left-arm speedster shared his thoughts on his hopes and ambitions for the upcoming tour of England, on how he could improve his bowling and about Pakistan coach Waqar Younis.

 by Saj Sadiq

3 June 2010

At just 18 years old, Mohammad Aamer has rapidly matured into one of the most complete emerging fast bowlers in the world, and is already the spearhead of the Pakistan pace bowling attack after just one year. Speaking exclusively to PakPassion.net, the left-arm speedster shared his thoughts on his hopes and ambitions for the upcoming tour of England, on how he could improve his bowling and about Pakistan coach Waqar Younis.

In this era of fast-paced cricket and Twenty20 mania, Aamer still has a soft spot for cricket in its purest form. "Test cricket is the real deal. I enjoy Twenty20 matches and one-dayers, but Test cricket is the number one priority for me" he stated. Playing a Test match at Lord’s, the home of cricket, is a dream for every cricketer, and Aamer is certainly no different.

When questioned about Pakistan’s chances on the upcoming tour of England, Aamer was confident and upbeat. "I’m very excited about the series in England; I cannot wait to face the hosts, and especially Australia” he said.

“Pakistan start afresh against the Aussies and the previous series in Australia will be wiped from our minds" Aamer continued. Clearly, he is not suffering any long-lasting psychological damage from Pakistan’s previous encounters with the Australians in the longest form of the game; in fact, to the contrary. Aamer's performances Down Under were praised highly by experienced Australian cricket watchers, and the youngster is raring to have another go at the world's best team.

Aamer was also his usual honest and enthusiastic self when asked about potential concerns of him getting injured on such a long and arduous tour. "I don’t like being rested for any matches. I want to play all of the time. I'm a young guy, I feel strong, I feel fit and I don’t want to be rested. However I can understand the need for rest, but only want to be rested for dead rubbers", was his committed and forthright reply.

The native of Gujjar Khan also reflected on his experiences in working with the recently appointed Pakistan head coach and legendary fast bowler Waqar Younis. Aamer said "I enjoy working with Waqar, but its early days in our relationship, and I look forward to learning further from him. It's great that I can spend an extended period of time with him in the coming season when Pakistan has a lot of cricket".

"One area of my bowling for improvement that Waqar has mentioned to me is to get closer to the stumps, which will bring more lbws into the game for me", was Aamer's honest appraisal of his own bowling. This is an opinion also voiced by legendary England opening batsman Sir Geoffrey Boycott when interviewed by PakPassion.net in Feb 2010 - it seems the Pakistani teenage prodigy has heeded the advice of the English great.