Shah gears up for more T20 globetrotting

By Paul Hiscock

After a few weeks' rest, Owais Shah is working hard in the Chelmsford indoor nets. Together with a number of his county colleagues, the 34-year-old batsman has been preparing for another demanding year of cricket around the globe that he hopes will culminate with Essex realising their aspirations of promotion to Division One of the County Championship.

“"There seems to have been a change of culture this year with a lot of our players starting their preparations in November and doing their drills together,"” he said. "“I'’m sure they have done them individually in the past but, this time, those of us that are still in this country are working together.

“"There'’s a good atmosphere and the guys are all working hard in their training but the real result will only be seen once next summer starts - and where we will be mentally, physically and technically. If we get the balance right, which I'’m sure Paul Grayson our coach will, then I think we should be in good shape for the start of the season.”"

Shah made his England Test debut in Mumbai back in 2006 when he scored 88 in the victory against India which levelled that three-match series. That was the same series that launched the Test career of Alastair Cook and, while he became a regular member of the England set-up during the ensuing six years, Shah found further opportunities hard to come by as he played only five more Tests although he did become a key figure in the one-day side.

The last of Shah's 71 ODI caps came at Centurion in October 2009 and, these days, the stylish batsman contents himself facing international bowlers in the various Twenty20 leagues across the world - a lucrative alternative, at least, to Test cricket.

“"I'’m lucky enough to play in tournaments all over the world and keep myself busy during our winter,"” he added.  “"I'’m off to the Big Bash in Australia shortly then, hopefully, if things go well with the Bangladesh Cricket Board, to the BPL. After that, it'’s Cape Town and then the IPL although that all depends on the outcome of the auction.

“"So I'’m hoping to be kept very busy and after that I'’m really looking forward to next summer with Essex. It was a bit frustrating for me that I only really found my form in the latter stages of last season but hopefully I can score plenty of runs consistently throughout next year and help us to get promotion.”"


 

Date: 30/11/2012 10:50:17 by Paul Hiscock
In: Today | Essex |