Shoaib Akhtar has been called up to Pakistan's squad in South Africa as cover for Umar Gul, who picked up an injury during the warm-up match against Rest of South Africa.
Akhtar was originally left out of the 17-man party after the selectors expressed concern over his fitness levels following his appeal from the drugs ban handed to him and Mohammad Asif. However, in the current round of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches Shoaib has taken a five-wicket haul for Islamabad.
Aamir Bilal, a Pakistan spokesman, told AFP: "Akhtar will fly out on the first available flight to South Africa as a back-up for fast bowler Gul, who was injured during a tour game."
Akhtar has not played for Pakistan since the one-day series against England four months ago. He was banned for two years, and fellow paceman Asif for one year, in November after both tested positive for the banned steroid nandrolone before the Champions Trophy.
However, a Pakistan Cricket Board appeals committee overturned the bans last month on the grounds that neither player took the banned substances knowingly.
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has challenged the decision and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) said last week that it is likely to rule on the appeal against the lifting of bans within four months.
The first Test against South Africa starts at Centurion Park on Thursday.
© Cricinfo
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