Australia v Pakistan first Test day 3: Mohammad Amir’s amateur dramatics raise a laugh

Mohammad Amir is an outstanding bowler and most cricket fans have enjoyed his redemption story - but he could win an Oscar for his onfield theatrics.

HAS a Pakistani actor ever won an Oscar? No? Well it might all change next year.

If there are categories for Best Imitation of an Extra in a War Movie and Best Imitation of an Innocent Man When You Are Just Plain Guilty then Pakistani fast bowler Mohammad Amir will scoop the pool.

In fact any rival in these categories is wasting their time turning up.

Amir is best known as the young fast bowler sent to jail for spot fixing after being coerced by his captain Salman Butt to bowl no-balls at Lord’s.

He is an outstanding bowler and it’s great to have him back. Most cricket fans have enjoyed his redemption story – but he is not becoming any easier to believe.

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Amir lays it one a bit thick on day one of the Test. AFP Photo/Saeed Khan

In jail he was not allowed to touch a cricket ball but as someone quipped on Saturday his hours were not wasted – he obviously studied drama.

Amir went down injured in a fielding mishap on Thursday and theatrically limped to the sidelines before being placed on a medicab to protect the strain on his injured right knee.

Such was the level concern that commentators were speculating not just on tour replacements for him but whether he would play the game again. Or maybe even survive and lead a normal life.

Then, 34 balls later, there he was, limp-free and bigger than Texas, emerging to bowl his liveliest spell of the game.

Then on Saturday when the Australians reviewed a decision for a catch behind off Jackson Bird he pointed to his elbow and walked away to grab a drink with all the nonchalance of a man who knew he had no case to answer.

Amir doesn’t mind a bit of drama. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

When the “out’’ call came after a tiny spot was found on his bat he snapped his head around, rose from his haunches in total disbelief, and left the ground looking like a man who lit up his fireplace for Christmas night then watched his house burn down.

Adding to his embarrassment was the fact that the same thing happened to him in reverse when he was bowling and had Steve Smith was caught behind he but did not appeal.

When Amir sat down in the stand he seemed utterly dumbfounded by the whole affair. He pointed to his arm again when coach Mickey Arthur arrived.

Arthur was having none of it and pointed to the replay – and the dot – on the big screen, perhaps saying “just because my name is Mickey doesn’t mean you have to take it.’’

Originally published as Australia v Pakistan first Test day 3: Mohammad Amir’s amateur dramatics raise a laugh