Afzaal: consistency is the key

Usman Afzaal impressed many observers with his new found determination this season, accumulating over 1000 runs at an average of nearly 45. His reward for a fine effort in a difficult year for Nottinghamshire was a place on the A tour to West Indies. "I thought I had a good chance," Usman told CricInfo, "but it was a nice surprise to hear the news."

He has toured the West Indies before, as an Under 19 player (a tour which David Sales also took part in), and hopes that experience will pay dividends in the coming months.

Usman is quick to confirm the secret of his successful season: "Greater consistency has been the key," he announces without hesitation. He puts that consistency down to "hard work, self belief and my religion."

Although he has been chosen for his batting, Afzaal is keen to use the tour to establish himself as a bowler. His left arm spin took only 9 wickets this year, but he is happy to admit aspiration in that area. "I'd like to develop into a genuine all rounder," he states.

He is sensibly cautious about being seen as a 'good Asian player'; instead hoping to be viewed as simply a good player. He is aware of the benefits of providing a positive role model though, and prepared to go further than most to encourage young people in the right direction.

"There's no doubt that there are lots of young people in Nottingham who look up to sportsmen," he reasons. "Of course many of those youngsters are Asian and if I can provide some sort of example to them then great. I hope that they don't think it's because of God given talent or anything, and see they see that success has too be earned through hard work and dedication."

"It started when I was training in the nets. These kids would come in and bowl at me - which was great. One day there would be 5, the next 10, then 15 and so on. There were loads of them all wanting to play cricket. I contacted a few people I know in Pakistan and we arranged this tour. The idea is to show these guys, aged from 15 to 22 just what is required to become a first class cricketer, and hopefully encourage them to work hard in the future."

So from October 20th Usman will lead a team of young people from Nottinghamshire to Lahore on a 2 week tour that is partly sponsored by CricInfo. Such philanthropy does him great credit, as does his desire to learn from every experience.

He describes himself as "a very good friend" of Shoaib Akhtar, and explains how he has been able to learn from the fast bowlers knowledge. "He's performed against the very best," argues Usman, "so he's able to tell me how the best prepare, and how they approach a game. It was enormously upsetting when he had to pull out of this season."

He is also keen to credit Clive Rice for his help. "Clive has been superb for my cricket," Usman admits freely. "He has shown me a few technical things, but it has mainly been the confidence he has instilled, and the support he has given me when I needed it."

Usman was born in Rawalpindi, but let there be no question of divided loyalties. "Perhaps I'm eccentric, but I love England," he states. "This country has given me such happiness and opportunity, and although Pakistan is special to me, England is my home."