 Shahzad took four wickets on his Test debut against Bangladesh |
Yorkshire pace bowler Ajmal Shahzad has been drafted into England's squad for the one-day matches against Scotland and Australia. Shahzad, 24, who has played one limited overs international against Bangladesh, comes in for Nottinghamshire's Ryan Sidebottom who has a hamstring strain. Sidebottom will remain with the England squad to have the injury treated. England play Scotland in Edinburgh on Saturday before embarking on a five-match series against Australia. Shahzad made an impressive Test debut when he took four wickets in England's innings win over Bangladesh at Old Trafford earlier this month, but he was originally denied a place in the one-day squad when fellow Yorkshire all-rounder Tim Bresnan recovered more quickly than anticipated from a foot problem. However, Sidebottom injured himself in Nottinghamshire's FP t20 win over Worcestershire on Saturday, opening up a place.  | 606: DEBATE |
National selector Geoff Miller said: "It's a shame Ryan has picked up this injury, because he's been injury-free for some time now and bowling well. "Thankfully, it's a relatively minor injury, and we look forward to him making a full recovery soon. "Ajmal Shahzad is a strong addition to the squad and he'll no doubt be looking to build on his maiden ODI appearance for England in Bangladesh over the winter." Shahzad took a wicket with his third ball in his only one-day international to date as he returned figures of 1-55 in helping England beat Bangladesh by 45 runs in Chittagong in March. "It's just nice to be called up, and I hope if my chance comes I can grasp it with both hands," he said. "A lot's happened to me in the last six months. If the chance comes - Ryan's got a niggle, but I don't think it's too bad - I've just got to put in a decent performance and have my name in the hat for the games to come. "But it's just nice to be involved, and know you're there or thereabouts. I just hope I can get the nod."
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