LIKE just about every other English professional cricketer, Ajmal Shahzad has spent the winter investing in his career.
Unlike most, however, the Notts and former England fast bowler dug into his own pockets to do so, shelling out the thick end of £5,000 to spend two and a half months at the Darren Lehmann Cricket Academy in Melbourne.
As he prepared to fly to Barbados with his county team-mates to complete their pre-season preparations, Shahzad is certain it was worth it.
“I’d been once before, with David Wainwright when I was 21 and getting established at Yorkshire. We both went on to have pretty good seasons, and I went back to rekindle that feeling, to find what I’d lost. And I’m pretty sure that’s exactly what I’ve done.”
It is not only Notts supporters who will hope so, because at 28, Shahzad is in danger of turning into one great lost talent.
The three seasons since his solitary Test, against Bangladesh at Old Trafford in 2010, have been increasingly disappointing, culminating in last year’s failure to establish himself in a Notts side desperate for another wicket-taking seamer in the absence of Andre Adams, injured for long periods.
With Adams back and fit and the outstanding Australia Test bowler Peter Siddle signed up, Shahzad, who took just 22 Championship wickets in 2013 at nearly 50 runs apiece, is fully aware this season could offer far fewer opportunities.
On last season’s form, Luke Fletcher (43 wickets at 29.95) and Harry Gurney (44 at 30.32) could leave the Bradfordian relying on injuries, rotation, or, in the case of Gurney, England call-ups to find a place in Mick Newell’s starting XI.
Shahzad acknowledges as much, but points out there is another scenario. “The competition is very, very tough, but it’s up to me to make sure I’m bowling so well they can’t leave me out.
“And after my time at the DLCA I’ve never felt so mentally fresh and positive. They had my records from the first time I’d been there, and after establishing what I wanted to achieve, they used those to see what had changed.
“As well as working on some technical issues, I worked on improving other skills, like a consistent out-swinger, slower ball and yorker. I need to be dependable, while still bowling with good heat.
“It was the same with batting. If I don’t over-complicate it and play to my limitations I can be an effective No.8. I’ve come back feeling I’ve progressed in both respects.”
For all its frustrations, last season did end on a brighter note when Shahzad, having initially been told he would miss out on the YB40 final against Glamorgan to make way for Stuart Broad, was re-instated to cover for the injured Jake Ball. Fired up, his 3-33 in six overs ensured he finished as the competition’s top wicket-taker.
“Yes, but you know what, even in the one-dayers I was a long way from my best,” he said. “I still see myself very much as a new ball and death bowler. Coming on as first or second change is a different mentality.”
This, to some extent, was the issue which ultimately resulted in his Yorkshire exit, but Shahzad is adamant it will not lead to a similar situation at Trent Bridge, where he has two years left on his contract.
“Don’t get me wrong, I know I have to be more reliable, more consistent because it’s the lads who score the Championship runs and take the Championship wickets who get recognised.
“I think I can achieve that while still being a strike bowler. Look, when I went to the DLCA I was surrounded by younger players. And that was great, in that they rated me and were asking my advice, but it didn’t feel any time since I was in their position and it was a reminder that at 28, this is perhaps the biggest season in my career.
“The competition is very, very tough at Notts and internationally. You just have to look at the good young fast bowlers with the England Lions now. But there are opportunities and I’ve got to get people talking about me again.
“I’m in a better place than I’ve been for a long time. I’m used to being away from home now, I’ve learned about Trent Bridge, which these days is a pretty flat deck where you have to really look after the ball, and I’ve got some good bonds with my team-mates. Guys like James Taylor and Steve Mullaney have become good friends.
“I start the season much happier off the field and better prepared on it. I’m going to play as hard as I can, with a smile on my face. That’s when I’m at my best.”
