Stani Army

Owais Shah was once again left out of England’s squad after having an average series against the West Indies. Having done twice as much as others to get into the English side in the first place, it seems he has to do twice as much to keep his place. While the likes of Collingwood, Cook and Bell, in the past, have been given numerous chances even when out of form, Shah has been axed at the very first opportunity.

Born in Karachi and with a preference to bat at 3, he brings with him the wristy talent which the England side is missing but for some reason, has been overlooked. This is not the first time this has happened. In the past, his county coach John Emburey has voiced his frustration as to why Shah does not get a fair chance saying “Owais has never been backed at England level”. He also accused the England selectors of operating a “closed shop”. This can be backed up by the fact that Collingwood or Cook are always given ample opportunity to find form when they are performing bad.

Add to the above arguments that Shah is one of England’s better players of spin, you would think he would have been a dead cert particularly after their batsmen struggled with Sulieman Benn in the West Indies, who with all due respect is not exactly one of the leading spinners in world cricket.

If you look at his county stats, you just cannot fault him. As Emburey once said, “perhaps his face doesn’t fit”.

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