Mohammad Sami was a surprise addition to the Pakistan test squad recently and from some Pakistani cricket fans, his inclusion brought howls of disapproval. Others however disagreed with the criticism...

Mohammad Sami was a surprise addition to the Pakistan test squad recently and from some Pakistani cricket fans his inclusion brought howls of disapproval. Others however disagreed with the criticism and felt that Mohammad Sami deserved another chance, perhaps his last chance.

Sami's last test prior to the recent one in Sydney was in December 2007 where he took 4 wickets for 212 runs against India in a drawn match at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium. His bowling average in that match was 53 and his career bowling average over 34 tests is only marginally better at 50.74.

The Mohammad Sami that we saw on debut in 2001 was a bowler who many thought could become one of the all time greats for Pakistan. Fast, furious, reverse swing and control, Sami had it all or so it seemed and 8 for 116 on debut made the cricketing world sit up and take note. Could this man be the latest in a supply line of great Pakistani fast bowlers?

Just under 9 years since debut and 34 tests down the line, Mohammad Sami is facing a new dawn, but will it be another false dawn or the real deal?

PakPassion caught up with the 28 year old Karachi Blues pace bowler who recently returned to Pakistan after the test series in Australia and has been playing in the Pentangular Trophy.

"It was great being back amongst friends in the test squad and representing my country. Wearing the green cap of Pakistan made me feel a proud man" stated Sami.

"It felt like I was on debut once again even though it was my 117th match for Pakistan. Naturally the nerves were there and as I said, it felt like I was playing for the first time. The international cricket gap for myself had been more than two years and I had missed playing for Pakistan so much" added Sami.

Sami continued "For my return to the Pakistan team, conditions were great for fast bowling in Sydney and removing the top three of the Australian batting order was fantastic. Asif bowled really well too and we were on top for most of that test match. The fact that we lost the test made me and my team mates feel very sad".

"Like any other cricketer, I want to play all of the time and I was disappointed that I didnt play in the the third test in Hobart, but that is something you have to accept at times" added Sami.

"I feel I am a rejuvenated cricketer, I am more mature and I feel very strong and fit these days, possibly fitter and stronger than I have ever felt. My rhythm is good, I've been working on a few things with my coach and I have done well in domestic cricket this season for Karachi Blues and I want to continue the good form in the upcoming 50 over competition and then the Twenty over competition".

Sami's taste once again for international cricket has left him hungry for success and not just in test cricket. "I think I am good enough to play in all three versions of the game for Pakistan and that is my aim. I want to perform well and be selected for the matches in Dubai, the Twenty/20 World Cup and then the tour of England to play against Australia and England".