Shah driven by Test hopes

Middlesex batsman still hoping for another chance in five-day action

Last updated: 17th June 2008

Shah driven by Test hopes

Shah: Still hopeful

I am a bit up and down really. Sometimes I worry, sometimes I think I will get an opportunity. It varies. But deep down I get a feeling I will get another opportunity, so there is still hope

Owais Shah
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Owais Shah is determined not to become tagged as a one-day specialist, declaring he is still "desperate" to play Test cricket.

The Middlesex batsman showed his skills in the shorter format of the game with a brutal innings of 49 against New Zealand in the NatWest Series opener.

While he has become a key player in the middle order in ODI's the 29-year-old right hander has failed to add to his tally of one Test cap, won on the tour of India in 2006.

However, Shah still holds out hope of getting another chance - despite spending the winter carrying drinks on the tours to Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

Very tough

"It was very tough, of course it was, I was desperate to play Test cricket but it is the way the sport goes," he said.

"People perform, get on a roll and sometimes you just have to wait your turn. How long you wait, I don't know, you just have to keep on waiting.

"Michael Hussey didn't get a chance until he was 32 or something, and he was one of the best batters in the country in Australia - I just have to wait and grab my opportunity.

"I am a bit up and down really. Sometimes I worry, sometimes I think I will get an opportunity. It varies. But deep down I get a feeling I will get another opportunity, so there is still hope."

Shah's 25-ball innings, which included four fours and three sixes, at The Riverside on Sunday showed off his abilities with the bat.

Right balance

He even managed to upstage centurion Kevin Pietersen in their fifth-wicket stand of 73, though the pair picked up their runs in constrasting styles.

While Shah looked to hit straight Pietersen had the audacity to be inventive with his strokeplay, including two daring switch hits for six off Scott Styris.

"It was a wonderful innings by Kev, to get the right balance between orthodox and very unorthodox," Shah added.

"There were some unbelievable shots. He is just a freak. I will leave that all to him, I don't know if I could do that. I just try to play with a straight bat."