Pakistan's Mohammad Amir strikes on return against Ireland

Mohammad Amir took two wickets in quick succession to give Pakistan a boost as he returned to the fray against Ireland despite a troublesome knee injury.

The Pakistan spearhead went off just 3.2 overs into his spell during the second innings of Ireland's inaugural Test on Sunday with a recurrence of a chronic left knee problem.

It was a worrying sign for Pakistan, who next play a warm-up match against Leicestershire (May 19-20) before facing England in a two-Test series, with back-to-back fixtures at Lord's (May 24-28) and Headingley (June 1-5), leaving little time for rest and recovery.

Following-on, Ireland started the fourth day on 64 without loss. Amir did not come into the attack until Monday's ninth over, with the hosts 81 for two after Ed Joyce was lbw by Andrew Balbirnie for his second nought of the match to Mohammad Abbas.

Amir struck on Monday when he clean bowled Niall O'Brien (18) - a wicket greeted with his usual arms-outstretched celebration. And 94 for three became 95 for four when Amir had Ireland captain William Porterfield (32) edging to wicket-keeper and Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed. 

At that stage, Amir had taken two wickets for no runs in six balls. 

After a spell of two wickets for 10 runs in seven overs, including three maidens, Amir left the field some 25 minutes before the scheduled lunch break.

He was back on the field before the interval but did not bowl again in Monday's first session.