11cricket.com

KARACHI (AFP) – Pakistan paceman Mohammad Sami was Tuesday recalled for the tour of Australia following team management’s request for an additional fast bowler, giving him a chance to revive a dwindling career.

“The selection committee has agreed to send Sami as reinforcement player to join the Pakistan team in Australia,” a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) statement said.

The addition of Sami was requested to help ease the burden on the team’s fast-bowlers in what is expected to be a demanding tour in Australia, the statement added.

He will supplement an attack featuring Umar Gul, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Aamer and Abdur Rauf.

The 28-year-old right-arm fast bowler played the last of his 33 Tests against India at Bangalore in December 2007 before he was sidelined for poor form.

He then joined the unofficial Indian Cricket League (ICL) and was banned from international cricket in early 2008.

Earlier this year all 23 Pakistan players who joined the ICL suspended their contracts in India and were forgiven by the PCB.

Sami has so far taken 81 wickets in 33 Tests, and a further 118 in 83 one-day internationals.

He has shown recent good form in country’s domestic cricket with 30 wickets.

“I am very happy and am confident of making the most of this chance to resurrect my career,” said Sami, widely regarded as one of the most talented bowlers to not turn his potential into performances.

Pakistan plays the first of three Tests against Australia at Melbourne from December 26. They will also play five one-day internationals and a Twenty20 on the tour.