Fawad Ahmed, who is awaiting a decision from the Australian government about his refugee protection claim, bowled against Australia`s top batsmen as a preparation for South African spinner Imran Tahir ahead of Friday`s Gabba Test opener.
Ahmed, who plays Melbourne club cricket and has previously bowled in nets sessions to Australia`s batsmen, was flown to Brisbane due to the similarities of his bowling action with that of Pakistan-born Tahir, team officials said.
Ahmed is familiar with naturalised South African Tahir, having played against him when they were both in Pakistan`s domestic cricket.
He left his home in the border region near Afghanistan to come to Australia on a short-stay visa to play cricket in 2010.
Despite a temptation to play a four-man pace attack on what is expected to be a bouncy Gabba wicket, South Africa have said they are planning to play Tahir, who has played 10 Tests for the Proteas.
All of Australia`s players took part in Tuesday`s first training session at the Gabba, including Rob Quiney, who is set make his Test debut as a replacement for injured allrounder Shane Watson.
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