Shahzad so proud to be the Asian face of Yorkshire

AJMAL SHAHZAD hopes his rise into the England Test squad will become an inspiration to the county's Asian cricketing community.

The 24-year-old pace bowler will become the first Yorkshire-born Asian to represent England in Test cricket if he makes his debut against Bangladesh at Old Trafford tomorrow.

Shahzad was the unused member of the 12-man party for the first Test at Lord's and despite his relatively limited experience with Yorkshire, has been in and around the national squad for the last three months without actually getting any game time.

He already holds the accolade of being the first British-born Asian to play for Yorkshire when he burst onto the scene in 2004.

Years of injuries and an experienced bowling attack at Yorkshire may have stalled his progress, but after being named the county's players' player of the year in 2009, he has been fast-tracked by England.

The former Woodhouse Grove pupil has represented England at one-day level and was a member of their World Twenty20 trophy-winning squad last month, but with a first Test appearance within touching distance, he hopes his inclusion will set a trend for others to follow.

"To represent the Asian community and shine for them and be seen as a role model is a nice feeling," said Shahzad, who broke into the England set-up after his Yorkshire-born Asian team-mate Adil Rashid, but has hung around for longer.

"I've put in a lot of hard work and if that encourages the Asian community then I'm proud to be a face for them.

"Everybody wants to be targeted as someone to aspire to.

"It was like the time when I became the first British-born Asian player to play for the county, it was a big deal for Bradford and Leeds and the West Yorkshire community.

"I was proud to be the first guy to come on the scene, and what it did was open the door a little, and that's what I want to do with England, get myself established in that Test team and encourage other Yorkshire-born Asian players to go after what they want to do, whether that be in the sporting world or whatever career they choose."

The erudite and enthusiastic Shahzad has had his eagerness for a debut in England whites tested by the selectors, who have shown their belief in his potential, if not in his ability to deliver on the big stage.

He toured Bangladesh with the Test squad in February and March but watched from the stands.

After a bit-part role in the Twenty20 triumph in the Caribbean, he was again selected for the two-match Test series with Bangladesh but overlooked in favour of Yorkshire team-mate Tim Bresnan last week.

Bresnan's foot injury prompted a recall for former Yorkshire left-armer Ryan Sidebottom and the Huddersfield-born pair are vying for a start at Old Trafford, with Shahzad hungry to be unleashed.

"It is quite frustrating because I want to get into a rhythm, I want to bowl, I want to play cricket. I've missed it while I've been sat about being 12th man," said Shahzad, who was released to play with Yorkshire in the truncated Roses match earlier this week.

"I've learnt a lot from the experiences in Bangladesh and Barbados, it's been great to be part of a winning side and a good unit and I've picked up a lot of tips from everyone, but I'm just keen now to get out onto the pitch and put them into practice.

"With the current unit, everyone's involved, everyone has a chance of playing and it's not a case of sticking with the tried and tested players.

"That is keeping everybody on their toes and that's encouraging for me. People are getting rested and you can get a chance to get games in and show what you can do.

"If a Test debut happens on Friday, or whenever, it will be a great feeling.

"I've worked hard for it – but people need to understand I've only played one full season for Yorkshire.

"I'm still finding my way in but I definitely have something to bring to the party with both bat and ball, and, hopefully, when the chance comes I can be firing on all cylinders."

Shahzad has made only 26 first-class appearances, due mainly to a Yorkshire bowling attack comprising Darren Gough, Matthew Hoggard, Bresnan and Deon Kruis.

When the chance came last season to make an impact, however, he grabbed it with both hands, hence his confidence that when the England call comes he can have a similarly immediate impact.

If Sidebottom gets the nod, Shahzad will join his Yorkshire team-mates at New Road for their second game of the Twenty20 campaign against Worcestershire.

Whatever cricket he plays over the coming days, he will be happy that he is out in the middle again, continuing his progession.

Shahzad said: "I've always wanted to get here. I just want to work hard and for the coaches to teach me and work with me and develop my talent, encourage me and persist with me."

Shahzad's route to old trafford

Born in Huddersfield, July 27, 1985.

Raised in Bradford, he attended Bradford Grammar, Woodhouse Grove School and Leeds Metropolitan University.

Became first British-born Asian to play for Yorkshire in one-day game in 2004, and played first-class cricket for county for the first time in 2006.

Establishes himself in Yorkshire's County Championship team in 2009 and earns players' player of the season accolade.

After winter stint with England Performance Squad, is called up to the Test squad for tour of Bangladesh in February, 2010.

Contributes to England's World Twenty20 triumph in the Caribbean but misses out on a place in the final.

Called up again to Test squad for home series with Bangladesh in May, missing out last week as 12th man.