Heading into Friday's opening Twenty20 against Pakistan, Black Caps allrounder Grant Elliott is more intrigued by Mohammad Aamer's on-field improvements than in his off-field misdemeanours.
The fast bowler was 18 when he was banned in 2011 for five years for his involvement in spot-fixing. He also served three months of a six-month prison term.
Since completing his ban, Aamer has excelled in domestic first-class cricket and in the Bangladesh Premier League.
Elliott says Aamer's conviction isn't something that's registered at all in the Black Caps' build-up.
"That's not something that worries us; all we're concerned about is how good people are on the cricket field."
News that makes sense
Your trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox.
First selected as a 17-year-old, Aamer was the youngest player to take 50 Test wickets.
He was man of the series against England in 2010 before a sting uncovered him and two teammates being involved in spot-fixing.
"What I do know abut Mohammad Aamer is I played him in 2009 in a Test series, and he was a very quick bowler then," Elliott said.
"It'll be interesting to see how he comes back from what's happened."
The Black Caps play three T20s and three one-day internationals against Pakistan before facing Australia in three ODIs and two Tests, the first five-dayer starting on February 12 in Wellington.
Elliott said it was vital to keep distractions to a minimum.
"As a cricketer, you need to concentrate on what's happening on the field, whether that's ball in hand or bat in hand.
"Without that mentality, it's very difficult to perform when you're under pressure."
