Tait signs up for Pakistan Super League

Fresh from his shock recall to the Australian T20 team, express pace bowler Shaun Tait has confirmed he will play with Peshawar Zalmi in the first-ever Pakistan Super League (PSL).

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Tait, who earlier this week told cricket.com.au he was built for T20 cricket following his season with the Hobart Hurricanes in the KFC Big Bash League, will join forces with another fiery quick – Pakistan speedster Wahab Riaz.

He will also be joined at Peshawar Zalmi by Adelaide Strikers captain Brad Hodge and his Hobart Hurricanes teammate, Darren Sammy.

Tait bowls Hodge in the recent BBL|05 season, but they will team up in the Pakistan Super League in the UAE

Tait’s signing comes after Liam Plunkett became unavailable for Peshawar Zalmi when he was called up to the England squad in South Africa to replace the injured Steven Finn.

And Tait will have the perfect preparation for the PSL, lining up against T20 powerhouse India in the three-match series in Australia starting with a blockbuster at the Adelaide Oval on January 26.

“I never thought I’d play for Australia again – or be in the squad for Australia. I haven’t played yet,” Tait told cricket.com.au’s Andrew Ramsey.

“Obviously there’s a few injuries with the faster bowlers, those who bowl up towards 150kph, so it’s good timing for me I suppose.

“But I feel like I’m bowling OK and they wanted someone with a bit of pace and I’ve been bowling around 150kph consistently enough to be picked.

Glenn Maxwell was in great form for the Melbourne Stars against the Hobart Hurricanes at the MCG, but Shaun Tait gave him something to think about

“I’ve felt my control has got better over the last couple of years but I’m there to try and bowl fast and as soon as I’m starting to bowl in the 130s there’s not much point in me playing.”

Shaun Tait exceeds 150km/h with ease but Jono Dean is up for the challenge as he dispatches 14 from the over

Tait and Hodge will not be the only Australians lining up in this year’s tournament, with veterans Shane Watson and Brad Haddin also taking part.

Watson and Haddin will both play for Islamabad United in the PSL, which is scheduled to take place in the UAE from February 4 to 23 and also features the likes of Chris Gayle and Kevin Pietersen.