By Omar Khalid
Karachi, Dec 15 (IANS) The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Tuesday recalled former Indian Cricket League (ICL) rebel Mohammad Sami for the tour of Australia starting later this week.

A PCB statement said that the fast bowler has been selected as the 17th member for the tour. Pakistan will play three Tests, five One-day internationals and a twenty20 game. The series will begin with the first test in Melbourne from Dec 26.

“On the request of the national team management, the selection committee has agreed to send Muhammad Sami as reinforcement player to join Pakistan team in Australia. The request was made keeping in view the burden on the fast bowlers in the team in demanding environment in Australia which can be harmful for their fitness,” said the statement.

Pakistan is currently in New Zealand where it finished a three-match Test series in Napier on Tuesday.

Sami, 28, last played a Test for Pakistan in December 2007 against India in Bangalore. He was later dropped and subsequently joined the unofficial ICL after which he was banned by the PCB.

However, he was pardoned by the PCB earlier this year after severing ties with the ICL.

Sami has been rewarded with a place in the Pakistan team because of his good showing in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. Captaining Karachi Blues, Sami has bowled impressively in Pakistan’s premier first-class tournament helping his team to reach the final to be played later this month.