‘Amir can be best in world’ SPORT

MOHAMMAD AMIR has been told to block out any hostility from crowds in England this summer and concentrate on showing he is a world-class talent.

The fast bowler, right, will make his emotionally charged return to the scene of his 2010 spot-fixing when England tackle Pakistan at Lord’s on July 14.

But Pakistan captain Misbah ul-Haq yesterday backed the controversial fast bowler to emerge from the series with his reputation restored.

“He knows he is going to be under pressure but he’s handled it really well and this is his opportunity to come back to where he had those problems and show the world he can deliver for the team.” said Misbah.

“We can’t worry about the noise. It might happen – there are always voices in the crowd – but I think his bowling is there.

“If you look at his bowling speeds and swing and control, it is there. Mohammad Amir can still be the best bowler in the world. This is his opportunity to deliver for the team and win back his fans.” Pakistan will take on Sussex in a three-day tour match at Hove, which starts on Friday, before they go to Lord’s for the first of four Investec Tests against England. TAMMY Beaumont scored her second successive ODI century with 168 not out against Pakistan at Taunton. England made 366-4 in their 50 overs before Pakistan were dismissed for 164, Katherine Brunt taking 5-30. England won the series 3-0. JO PAVEY has been told she can still be selected for the Rio Olympics – but only if she proves she is quick enough.

Pavey, 42, is aiming to become the first GB track athlete to take part in five Olympics, and will defend her 10,000m title at the European Athletics Championships in Amsterdam next week.

British Athletics performance director Neil Black said: “She is clearly on an upward trend but she has got to run a time that puts her into the top 24 in the world.”

That Rio qualifying mark is 32 minutes, 15 seconds.