Shah reaching his peak

Owais Shah says he is nearing his peak as a batsman following his recall to the England squad for the first Test against West Indies at Lord's. After hitting 88 on his debut at Mumbai last March he was sent back to county cricket where his weight of runs - and a change of national coach - has brought him a second chance.

"It has been frustrating but you have got to realise that the selectors are trying to do the best for Team England," he told the Press Association. "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."

Shah is primarily in the squad as cover for Kevin Pietersen, but could also find a place in the side if England opt for seven batsmen. But whenever his next chance comes, Shah knows what to expect and doesn't want to over complicate the situation.

"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, " he said. "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. 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."