July 28, 2008	Monday	Rajab 24, 1429

ISLAMABAD, July 27: Pakistan’s emerging left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Aamir is hopeful of strengthening the national team’s bowling line-up in the absence of Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif.

Aamir told Dawn during the conditioning camp which was set up at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, “I have worked hard especially on my fitness in the camp and improved it a lot.”

The 17-year old bowler added: “I have played for Rawalpindi and represented under-19 team and Pakistan Academy team.”

When asked about his bowling figures in his short career, Aamir said, “I took 32 wickets in 14 matches in my U-19 stint while for Pakistan Academy, I grabbed 14 wickets in five matches.”

“During the ABN-Amro tournament I performed well by taking 16 wickets in eight matches,” said the energetic bowler.

The speedster eyes legendary Wasim Akram as his ideal bowler.

About his future in the team when there is tough competition among fast bowlers, Aamir said, “I will try to cement my place by taking more and more wickets.”