Mohammad Sami upbeat about future

Mohammad Sami, the Pakistan fast bowler, is upbeat about his international prospects after returning to the national side for the second Test against Australia in Sydney. The Test was Sami's first in more than two years - he had participated in the ICL in the interim - and he impressed in the first innings, taking 3 for 27 to help his team bowl out Australia for 127. However, he was left out of the third and final Test in Hobart but Sami, though disappointed, claimed he was a much-improved bowler and had the wherewithal to succeed at the highest level.

"It was great being back among friends in the Test squad and representing my country. Wearing the green cap of Pakistan made me feel a proud man" Sami told Pakpassion.net. "It felt like I was on debut once again even though it was my 117th match for Pakistan. Naturally the nerves were there and 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."

Sami is currently playing for Karachi Blues in the Pentangular Cup. In Sydney, he grabbed three top-order wickets in favourable conditions to hand Pakistan the edge in a game they eventually lost. "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," he said. [Mohammad] 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 didn't play in the third Test in Hobart, but that is something you have to accept at times."

Sami, who made his debut in 2001, has a busy domestic season ahead of him and hopes to make a mark to warrant selection for the World Twenty20 and Pakistan's tour of England. "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.

"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 Twenty20 World Cup and then the tour of England to play against Australia and England".