Left-arm spinner Murali Kartik is set to join the Indian team late tonight in response to an SOS by the team management to bolster their bowling attack.

Kartik, unlucky to be left out of the original touring party in the first place, is reinforcing the team as an additional, 17th member of the side and not as any replacement, according to manager Shivlal Yadav.

"Decision on Kartik as taken last evening and he would be up for selection in the team for the second Test," said Yadav.

Kartik's family sources in New Delhi also confirmed that the bowler has left for Australia but refused to reveal further details.