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Mohammad Amir welcomes support from Alastair Cook after joining Essex

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 18:  Mohammad Amir of Pakistan looks on after Pakistan win the ICC Champions trophy cricket match between India and Pakistan
Image: Mohammad Amir is welcoming support from Alastair Cook after joining Essex

Mohammad Amir says he hopes to inspire Essex to the County Championship title and revealed new team-mate Alastair Cook welcomed him with a warm reception.

The fast bowler, who joined his new team after excelling for Pakistan during their victory at the ICC Champions Trophy, is scheduled to make his debut for the Championship leaders on Monday against Middlesex.

The move is the latest development in a career almost undermined by a conviction for spot-fixing in 2010 that led to a five-year ban and, when Amir was granted a visa to tour England last summer, then-England Test captain Cook insisted match-fixers should be banned for life to protect the sport's integrity.

It was then confirmed in November that Amir would join Cook at Essex, but instead of any potential hostility, the new arrival insists his relationship with Cook is already "very good" and denied there is any tension between the pair.

Alastair Cook
Image: Cook has been vocal about his views on spot-fixing

"I met him the first day when I arrived and he was very nice," Amir said. "He said to me, the funny thing, 'I want to learn Urdu (Amir's native tongue), so you have to teach me.

"No [there are no issues between us], nothing. He's always nice and always very supportive.

"Everybody knows he's a good batsman and a very nice human being, so I think it will be a very good journey with him.

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LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 18: Mohammad Amir of Pakistan celebrates after taking the wicket of India's Shikhar Dhawan
Image: Amir played an important part in Pakistan's ICC Champions Trophy win against India

"The way the people treat me, they are very nice to me; the way they gave me a reception was very, very inspiring for me."

Pakistan's 180-run victory over India in Sunday's final at The Oval perhaps represents Amir's greatest success since his return; something Amir himself alluded to.

"That was a career booster," he said. "The way I performed in the final for my country feels very, very good, I don't have words for that. After the way we won the final, your confidence will go up, and I will use that, definitely.

"It will be a very good summer for me; my first time playing county cricket. I've met good people here and hope it will be a good journey."

Mohammad Amir appeals successfully for the wicket of Rohit Sharma
Image: Amir appeals successfully for the wicket of Rohit Sharma

Amir admitted the move angered some fans in his native Pakistan, but said the opportunity was too good to turn down.

"Some people are angry [at this move] because they said 'You should come home first', but it's a good opportunity for me, my career," he added.

"It's the standard of cricket. County cricket is going up; this standard you can't find anywhere else. I can improve my cricket; that was the reason to come here."

"I do believe [I can help deliver a championship]. When you do basics right anything is possible. I can try my best, so let's see what's going to happen next."

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