Amir ruled out of 3rd ODI due to suspected chickenpox

Mohammad Amir wasn't selected in Pakistan's provisional squad for the world cup © Getty

Mohammad Amir will not turn out for Pakistan in the third ODI against England at Bristol, with his chances of featuring in the 2019 World Cup reduced significantly, as an initial medical examination has hinted that the fast-bowler might be suffering from chickenpox.

Amir is currently not travelling with the team but with his family in London, where he was checked by a doctor. He had missed the second one-dayer in Southampton due to the illness and whether he will play any role in the remaining two matches, after Tuesday, depends on the severity of the chickenpox, which will be determined over the next two-three days.

Amir was left out of Pakistan's preliminary 15-man squad. He, however, was made a part of the group of 17 which came to England to play limited-overs series against the hosts in run up to the World Cup.

Since teams are allowed to change their lineups until May 23 by the ICC, Amir, despite picking only five wickets in 101 overs since the Champions Trophy final in 2017, remains an integral part of Pakistan's plans for the showpiece event because of his ability to keep a lid on the flow of runs, as explained by the team management and the selection committee. Prior to the side's departure from Pakistan, Sarfraz Ahmed and Mickey Arthur had said that the left-arm pacer will be auditioned in the England series. He was made a part of Pakistan's playing XI for the first ODI, but it was curtailed to only 19 overs due to rain.

The five-match series between England and Pakistan wraps up on Sunday with the fourth ODI on Friday. The team management would want Amir to be fit for the last two games to make his case for the World Cup selection.

This is a second such blow for Pakistan after their premier spin bowler, Shadab Khan, was ruled out of the one-off T20I and five ODIs against England after picking up a virus. He is said to be making recovery and will undergo final tests this week which will determine his availability for the World Cup.