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Pakistan's Mohammad Amir back in England after spot-fixing ban

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Five years after his ban for spot-fixing, Mohammad Amir trained with Pakistan as they prepare for their summer tour of England

Mohammad Amir is back in England for the first time since his five-year ban for spot-fixing.

The Pakistan squad were training at Hampshire's Rose Bowl ground on Monday, ahead of a three-day match against Somerset from Sunday.

Amir, 24, has served a five-year ban for spot fixing during a Lord's Test against England in 2010.

Amir and new-ball partner Mohammad Asif were caught bowling no-balls to order on the instructions of their captain Salman Butt, and all three were hit with five-year bans plus jail terms.

Prior to the ban, Amir had looked like one of the most exciting prospects in the cricketing world, having taken 51 wickets in 14 Tests at 29.09.

And he is now back in England, preparing for a four-Test series which gets underway on 14 July at Lord's.

NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 29:  Mohammad Amir of Pakistan celebrates the wicket of Alastair Cook of England during day one of the npower 1st Test Match be
Image: Mohammad Amir made a big impression on the Test scene before he was handed a five-year suspension

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq says the left-arm paceman still has the potential to become the best bowler in the world.

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"The way he has been bowling, he is there," said Misbah.

"You look at his bowling speed, his swing, his control, they're all there. He can still be the best bowler in the world. Whatever form of the game he has played since his comeback, he has done well."

It was suggested to Misbah that Amir might receive a hostile reception from the fans in England but the captain is confident his bowler can win over any critics.

"Anything might happen but Amir's main focus should be on his game," he said. "It might happen, you can always hear voices.

"The best way is to concentrate on your skills and your duties, and Amir has to focus on his game and what he has to do. He is doing well.

"He knows he is under pressure but he is handling it well. This is a good chance for him to come here, the place where he had those problems, and show the world he is there to perform and deliver for the team.

"It is a chance to win back all his fans. It's a great opportunity and he is working hard."

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