KARACHI: The almost-forgotten Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Sami, while expressing his delight at being named in all three squads for the forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka, admitted that it is probably the last opportunity for him to prove his credentials as an international cricketer.

The 31-year-old, who has seldom maintained a regular spot since his sensational eight-wicket debut in the Auckland Test against New Zealand in March 2001, has had a chequered career with only 84 wickets in 35 Tests at an astronomical average of 52.27, pledged on Thursday to prove critics wrong that he is a spent force.

“Obviously, right now I have this ‘over the moon’ feeling at being provided another chance to play for the country. If the opportunities [to play in the Sri Lanka series] come my way I will give my best to justify the selectors’ faith in my abilities,” a relieved Sami told Dawn on Thursday.

“However, I must frankly admit that this is perhaps the final opportunity which I’m going to get to re-establish myself as an international cricketer.”

When asked whether he got disillusioned during his countless periods on the sidelines, Sami said he was disappointed at times after being constantly overlooked for the national outfit, but he never lost heart and continued to perform in domestic competitions.

“I’m never that sort of a guy who keeps on brooding whenever I found myself out [of the Pakistan team]. I kept working hard, both at my fitness and game, just in case I was recalled. To say that I was hurt would not be out of context,” he remarked. “But I never gave up because I always remained optimistic and knew that I’m still good enough to serve Pakistan cricket at the international level.”

Sami, who has six wickets in three Twenty20 International appearances which came during the ICC event in the West Indies in May 2010, is looking forward to the two T20 Internationals at the start of the coming tour from June 1.

“I am raring to grab the first available chance when we reach Sri Lanka. It’s always nice to get into the groove as soon as possible. It is not everyday you dream of such a prospect after all the disappointments you go through,” the paceman, who has bagged 118 wickets in 83 One-day Internationals, stated.

“And if all goes well in the beginning, then I may get to play in the one-dayers as well as the Test matches.”

Asked to explain his rather modest Test returns and high bowling average, a humble Sami replied: “Maybe it is because of sheer bad luck and missed opportunities. There were many times in my career when, I felt, I should have picked five or six wickets in an innings instead of one, two or none at all.

“Luck somehow seemed to desert me than most others. Some [of my team-mates] were very fortunate while I was not.”