Puts hand up for late call-up to World Cup squad
Tait announces one-day comeback
Former Test speedster and 2007 World Cup winner Shaun Tait has ended his self-imposed exile from the longer forms of the game, declaring himself available to play for South Australia this summer.
Tait confirmed on Tuesday that he will be available to play up to four matches for the Redbacks in the Matador BBQs One-Day Cup in October.
If all goes to plan, the 31-year-old says he might put his hand up to play Shield cricket again this summer.
And, all things going well, Tait hasn't ruled out the chance of a last-minute call-up to Australia's squad for the upcoming 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup.
"But, to be honest, I haven't even thought about that," Tait told News Ltd.
"I suppose if everything is going well, if my body is going well and I’m bowling 155km/h and taking wickets, why not?
"But it might not go that way. Cricket Australia have got their group of players who are pretty good at the moment, the attack against Zimbabwe on Monday night was very good (with Mitchell) Johnson, (Mitchell) Starc, (Kane) Richardson, and there’s probably five other blokes in the wings.
"So they might go down a completely different path even if I am doing well. But if everything was going well, and they came to me and said 'We've got a couple of injuries, come and play' — brilliant, I'd love to."
While an international recall for Tait appears unlikely at this stage, it's no secret that Australia coach Darren Lehmann favours bowlers with genuine pace.
Velocity is something that Tait has in spades, with the South Australian regularly topping 150km/h during his prime to be regarded as the fastest bowler on the planet.
A string of injuries due to his trademark slinging action were cited as the reason for his decision to focus solely on Twenty20 cricket in recent years.
The right-armer has not played 50-over cricket for three years and hasn't bowled in first-class cricket since 2008.
Instead, he has played the past two KFC T20 Big Bash League seasons for Adelaide Strikers and has also plied his trade in the Indian Premier League for Rajasthan Royals.
And having allowed his body to recuperate by bowling short bursts in the 20-over game, Tait is hoping to make up for lost time.
"I was playing T20 cricket and I thought in a couple of years if I’m retired, would I regret anything?" Tait said.
"The only thing I could think of was not having some success with South Australia.
"It’s been a while since I’ve been really determined to do something in cricket and this is one of them. I’m determined to play for SA and be successful, because I think the state needs it as well."