espnstar.com's Ayanjit Sen marvels at Mohammad Asif's impressive comeback at the world's southernmost venue- New Zealand.

Having completed a year-long ban for a doping offence in September 2008, Mohammed Asif did play a match for the one-day squad in the ICC Champions Trophy two months ago but could not play the one-day series against New Zealand in the United Arab Emirates because of a ban on travelling to Dubai.

He was detained in Dubai last year on charges of possession of contraband.

Asif's figures on Tuesday at Dunedin - three wickets for 76 runs - will definitely help the 26-year-old rebuild his career.

Flynn, Fulton and Grant Elliot fell to his bowling.

Team officials were earlier worried about his rustiness but his capability to extract lethal movement off the seam and pitch have thrown all critical statements on the burner.

His off-cutters with the new ball are deadly and have, many a times, troubled top order batsmen.

Pundits have compared his cutters to the bowling delights in the yorkers of Waqar Younus and the doosra of Saqlain Mushtaq.

Fans of pure fast bowling in Pakistan have definitely woken up now with the partnership of Asif, Mohammed Aamer and Umar Gul.

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Unlike Umar Gul, Asif is not the Jekyll-and-Hyde fast bowler and his strength lies in his consistency.

He was recently quoted saying that he wanted to put his past behind him and start afresh.

Losing two crucial years in international cricket has not dipped his interests even a bit. 

Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam has never been shy of backing Asif's talent and the strike force that he brings into the team.

Before this tour, he played in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and that has defintiely gone to help him find his rhythm, form and confidence back.

Bursting onto the scene in 2005, he has been one of the most colourful characters in Pakistani cricket.

Playing his last Test match against South Africa in Lahore in 2007, this fast bowler has taken 51 wickets in 11 Test matches and 38 in 32 onedayers.

Once compared to former Aussie fast bowler, Glenn McGrath, Asif came out successful in a three-day match in New Zealand prior to this Test. He also bowled impressively at the nets.

Tipped to be one of the key performers on this tour for Pakistan, the bowler had said that he would try and make up for lost time.

He now seems to be in a hurry.

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