Thoughts on Amir returning to Test cricket after his ban. On the one hand I'd be quite hardline about it, but I can't help thinking he was a young, naive 18 yr old pawn manipulated by the ****ers who orchestrated it all.
Hmmmm... well. Hes served what was given him but it was the very worst form of cheating so.... i dunno. If hed been given a lifetime ban id have been fine with it but he was not so.... hes always going to be watched and scrutiised so if he even does a no ball he will be asked about. Difficult.
Done his time, was punished and should be allowed to return. It wasn't match fixing so a bit less serious and he was influenced by older senior members of squad including his captain.
I just got the impression that the other two senior players (can't remember them and can't be bothered to look) came across as a couple of sleezy self-preserving corrupt ****wits, but this kid looked like a rabbit caught in headlights and largely shocked by what he'd suddenly found himself in. Would also add, I've heard he has a real gift for swing bowling and it would be a shame to see that wasted. I know that's not much of a reason, but he was lauded by pro's across the world and I want to see what he's about.
He definitely got caught up in it and was young and following orders more than anything. I remember seeing him as probably a 17 year old in the WC I think it was, looked a star in the making and it's such a shame he's like 4 years of his career as he could already have been a real star.
Yeah... well. Hes done his punishment as handed out so hes fine to play but i just feel hes not really come to rerms with every time he chucks a poor ball hes going to be questioned.
You would have been fine with a lifetime ban mito? Bit harsh as sounds like influenced by more senior pros, and do you still feel that way if it effected other sports or our own cricket team? If yes fair enough stick by your morales, but 18yr olds are easily influenced. More should be made of senior players who influence youngsters being punished in my opinion. Trouble is it never seems to punish them financially like it would a youngster just starting out in the game
If hed been given a lifetime ban then id be fine and as he was not im ok too. He was given what he was given and i dont think it was harsh what he did get.
At least this is proving to be a better test for England than Sri Lanka. I didn't even watch the highlights but heard Fin had an absolute mare.
