Ahmed closer to the Ashes

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Australia could have Fawad Ahmed available for the Ashes if a new citizenship bill introduced to parliament is passed.

The Pakistan-born leg spinner arrived in Australia in 2010, and under current laws would not be allowed to apply for citizenship until mid-August, but if proposals to allow certain applications to be fast-tracked are agreed he could be approved immediately.

Immigration and citizenship minister Brendan O'Connor introduced the bill to parliament on Thursday which will enable applications with special circumstances to be fast-tracked, and 'elite athletes' will fall into that category.

Ahmed has been in impressive form since breaking into the Victoria team last year and took 39 wickets in 20 matches for the state this season.

The 31-year-old has been touted as the best spinner in Australia and would bolster their bowling attack for the Ashes.

Nathan Lyon is the only spin bowler currently in Michael Clarke's squad, however Ahmed would be added to that immediately were the bill to be approved.

O'Connor did not refer to the bowler when explaining his proposal but he mentioned cricket as a sport that would be covered by the Australian Citizenship Amendment (special residence requirements) bill 2013.

"The new instrument will include international cricket competitions as a specified activity and adds Cricket Australia to the list of organisations that may support an application," he said.

"The proposed amendments will give the minister the discretion to provide a pathway to citizenship for a very small number of people in very exceptional circumstances where their becoming a citizen would be of benefit to Australia.

"Australia should be proud to call these people their own."

A decision on the bill was adjourned, and with only 13 sitting days of parliament remaining a decision may not be made in time for Australia to name him in his squad.

However, Cricket Australia have left the door open for Ahmed to be included after leaving one place vacant in their 16-man touring party.

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