Mohammad Amir set to join Pakistan squad for England tour

Left-arm pacer had initially pulled out of the tour for birth of his second child

Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir is close to joing the team in England. AP

Left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Amir will join the Pakistan squad following the birth of his second daughter after initially pulling out of the England tour, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Monday.

The white-ball specialist underwent Covid-19 tests on Monday and they must register two negative results before they can join the squad in England, the board added.

"If their first tests return negative, they will be moved to a bio-secure environment in Lahore where their second tests will be conducted on Wednesday, with the expected departures over the weekend," the PCB said.

All-rounder Khushdil Shah will miss the first Test against England with a fractured thumb, the board revealed.

Khushdil has been ruled out for up to three weeks after injuring his left thumb while batting during a training session in Derby.

Team mate Abid Ali also survived a scare after being struck on the helmet while fielding at forward short-leg during an intra-squad match on Sunday.

"Abid is absolutely fine and will be available to resume training on Wednesday following Tuesday's rest day," team doctor Sohail Saleem said.

"He underwent a precautionary CT scan which has also returned normal."

The three-Test series begins in Manchester on August 5, with the last two matches in Southampton.

Pakistan will also play three Twenty20 Internationals against England with Manchester hosting all the matches.