AMIR’S TITLE HUNGER WITH COOK

MOHAMMAD AMIR hopes to inspire Essex to the County Championship title after revealing how welcoming team-mate Alastair Cook has been.

The fast bowler joined his new team after excelling for Champions Trophy winners Pakistan.

He is due for his Essex debut on Monday against Middlesex, the latest twist in a career almost undermined by a conviction for spot-fixing in 2010 and a five-year ban. Last summer, Cook, who was then England Test captain, insisted match-fixers should be banned for life.

But Amir (right) has not experienced any hostility.

He said: “I met him the first day when I arrived and he was very nice. He’s always very supportive.”

Asked if he could help Essex become champions, he added: “I do believe so. Anything is possible and I’ll try my best.”