Shah poised for second coming

Owais Shah during his Test debut against India in 2006

Middlesex batsman Owais Shah is eager to put a long wait behind him and collect his second Test cap.

Shah replaced Alastair Cook at number three in Mumbai in March 2006, scoring 88 and 38, but has not played a Test match since.

He could have another chance against the West Indies at Lord’s later this week after he was named in a 12-man squad for the first npower Test starting on Thursday.

Chairman of selectors David Graveney said Shah is in as cover for Kevin Pietersen, who has a calf problem - but could also get the nod if England decide to play an extra batsman.

Shah said: “It has been frustrating but you have got to realise that the selectors are trying to do the best for team England.

“If that means I have to wait, if that’s the best thing for the England team then that’s fine.

“I’ve just got to try harder and put some more runs on the board.

“Marcus Trescothick had to come back into the team last summer.

Shah scored 88 and 38 in his first Test appearance

“I’ve just been working harder at my game and trying to get myself back in there.

“It has been more than a year since I last played Test cricket but the hunger is still there, I am delighted to be back in the Test squad and I’m hoping I get my chance to make the 11.

“I don’t see it as a pressure situation. I just try to play every game is if it is my last and do my best whether I am playing for England, Middlesex or my club Ealing.”

At 28 Shah is a similar age to Andrew Strauss, his Middlesex team-mate and England captain for the Test, was when he made his entry to Test cricket in 2004.

Shah added: “I am somewhere near my peak as a batsman.

“In the last three or four years I have scored reasonably heavily in county cricket in both forms of the game and I like to be looked upon as a reliable batsman in the Middlesex line-up.

“That’s something I strive to achieve and is my aim. That is something every top batsman at each county strives to do.

“I am just starting my Test career right now and who knows what will happen.

“Straussy was in a similar position to me – he started off at 27 or 28.

“I am 28 now. It would be wonderful if I could another Test and try to make myself into a regular Test player, whether I do or not time will tell.

“It is simple - I have just got to get out there and bat, face the ball, play tight and score runs.

“Simple as that regardless of what shirt I am wearing Test cricket is still the same game, you just have one extra day. I’ve just got to back myself to get some runs.”

And Shah has every confidence that Strauss will cope with stepping into Michael Vaughan’s shoes once more.

He added: “He is captain this time and I am sure he will do wonderful job.

“He has captained Middlesex quite a lot I’m hoping the team can get behind him and get a winning result for England.”