Mohammad Amir should get good reception since he has served his time: Michael Atherton

New Delhi: Former English skipper Michael Atherton has backed tainted Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir, saying that the speedster deserves to get a good reception in England now that he has served his ban.

Amir last played a Test for Pakistan way back in 2010, soon after which he was found guilty in a spot-fixing scandal.

"I did have sympathy for the situation he found himself in," said Atherton, who was chairing a preview press conference for series sponsors Investec at Lord's on Thursday.

"He has served his time, I hope he gets a good reception.

"I think he deserves a chance to move on with his life rather than looking backwards."

Amir, along with new-ball partner Mohammad Asif were caught bowling no balls on the instructions of captain Salman Butt as part of a tabloid newspaper sting operation.

All three received five-year bans from cricket and together with sports agent Mazhar Majeed, jail terms.

In the practice match against Somerset, Amir was back to his usual best as he bamboozled the batsmen with his late swing on a green pitch.

After a good show in limited-overs cricket since his international comeback this year, it remains to be seen whether the 24-year-old can find his rhythm in whites as well.

The first Test between Pakistan and England is scheduled to begin from July 14.