-Photo by AFP

MOHAMMAD AMIR (Left arm fast bowler) Age: 18 Tests: 14; Balls: 2,867; Runs: 1,484; Wickets: 51; Best bowling: 6/84; Average: 29.09; 5wkt innings: 3 ODIs: 15; Balls: 789; Runs: 600; Wickets: 25; Best bowling: 4/28; Average: 24.00 T20s: 18; Balls: 390; Runs: 457; Wickets: 23; Best bowling: 3/23; Average: 19.86

-    Amir shot to fame in his first year as an international when his exploits led to comparisons with legendary Pakistan left-arm paceman Wasim Akram.

The teenager played a key role in guiding Pakistan to the World Twenty20 title in 2009 -- the first time he was included in Pakistan's senior team.

His 5-79 at Melbourne in 2009 and then seven wickets in Pakistan's sensational first Test win over Australia in 15 years at Leeds in July last year earned praise from none other than former Pakistan captain Imran Khan.

“Amir is an amazing talent,” Khan said. “I have watched him closely and I can say that he is streets ahead of Wasim when he was 18.”

Wasim, who spotted Amir in a coaching clinic in 2006, didn't disagree.

“Amir is certainly cleverer than me when I was 18,” said Wasim.

After squaring their two-Test series against Australia last summer, Pakistan then faced England and former home captain Nasser Hussain warned his team of the potential danger, pinpointing Amir as the “Sultan of Swing”.

Aamer did swing his team's fortunes with 5-52 to finish with man-of-the-match honours in the four-wicket win at The Oval as Pakistan reduced the series deficit to 2-1.

In the controversial last Test at Lord's, Amir destroyed England with a burst of six wickets on day two before a world record eighth wicket stand of 332 between Jonathan Trott and Stuart Broad restored the home team's position.

Note: All three players, as well as their agent, were on Friday charged with corruption offences as an alleged spot-fixing scandal headed towards the English courts. -AFP