Pakistan add Tanvir to New Zealand tour squad

Pakistan added injury-blighted paceman Sohail Tanvir to their squad in New Zealand on Monday, just two weeks after he was ruled out of the trip with a knee problem.

Left-armer Tanvir last played a Test over three years ago. He underwent knee surgery last year but has been given the all clear following another fitness test.

"The medical panel has revaluated his fitness and cleared him fit for the tour," said a Pakistan Cricket Board spokesman, adding the Australian doctor who operated on the 26-year-old last year said the future is bright for Tanvir.

"The doctor has also said he is now ready to take the load of international cricket."

Tanvir took nine wickets including 6-32 in the second innings of a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match shortly after he was initially dropped from the squad, and said he informed the board that he is now feeling no discomfort while bowling or fielding.

"The doctors have only advised me not to initially field inside the circle to avoid sharp bending of the knees," he said.

Pakistan lost the first Twenty20 international against New Zealand by five wickets on Sunday and play a further two followed in 2011 by two Tests and six one-day internationals.

The national team is already without the services of their leading pace bowlers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Asif, who remained suspended by the ICC on allegations of spot-fixing.