Khan missed the whole of Kent's 2007 season with a knee injury

Kent fast bowler Amjad Khan says he has taken a lot of confidence from his England call-up, even though he did not get a chance to play in India.

The 28-year-old was selected for the final two one-day internationals, just hours before the tour was postponed due to the Mumbai terrorist attacks.

He told BBC Radio Kent: "A year ago I was on crutches so I was chuffed to bits at being called-up.

"I think they thought I was more disappointed than I actually was."

It has been a long road back to international contention for Khan, who suffered a debilitating knee injury two years ago.

He added: "The England coaching staff knew how hard I'd worked to play cricket again so they were sympathetic and said they were sure my chance would come again and that I should be patient."

I've got my phone-line open so we'll just have to wait and see Amjad Khan

"They woke me in the middle of the night and said a couple of the guys had gone down and that I was required," he said.

"So at six o'clock in the morning I got in the taxi and five minutes from the airport, the driver got the call that we should turn around.

"Once I found out about what was going on I wasn't too disappointed.

"At least I know where I'm at, and I'm always in the frame which is the most positive thing."

Khan is still on stand-by to return to India, if the two-Test series goes ahead and some of the regular players pull out.

He said: "If all the safety criteria is met then I can't see a reason not to go out there.

"I've got my phone-line open so we'll just have to wait and see."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version