England vs Pakistan: Mohammad Amir says it's a miracle for him to be playing post spot-fixing ban

Pakistan pace-bowler Mohammad Amir feared he would never play cricket again after he was found guilty and banned from the sport due to spot-fixing. The 24-year-old, who made waves as a teenager was handed a five-year ban due to his role in the spot-fixing saga in 2010, which rocked the world of cricket.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Amir revealed he couldn't touch a ball for three years, let alone bowl and that he became depressed as cricket was his life.

"Life was very tough and there were times I thought I might not be able to play again," he said.

"I didn't pick up a ball for three years. It was very depressing for me, because as a professional, it's very difficult when you can't use the facilities, play cricket, you can't even touch the ball, so what are you going to do then?

"They are terrible memories, but now they are helping me because I've learned a lot and I want to be a better human being and a better behaved cricketer."

Pakistan have currently landed in England where they are set to play a four Test, five One Day International (ODI) and a solitary Twenty20 International series with the first Test starting on 14 July at Lords. Amir will be a part of the travelling squad.

Amir along with fellow pace bowler Mohammad Asif and then captain Salman Butt were involved in controversy during Pakistan's tour to England in 2010 where they were found guilty of spot-fixing with the aim of bowling deliberate no-balls. Asif and Butt are yet to return to international cricket despite their bans being lifted last year with only the left-armer being recalled to the squad.

"It's very special for me to be representing my country again and at the same place which it ended, same team, same crowd. I think for me it's a miracle, but dreams come true," Amir added.