Young Middlesex batsman Owais Shah was called up to England’s squad on Friday for the triangular one-day series against Australia and Pakistan.
The 22-year-old replaces Graham Thorpe who will miss Sunday’s game against Australia at Bristol with the same calf strain that forced him out of the opening match of the series against Pakistan on Thursday.
England’s chairman of selectors David Graveney said: ``Owais now has an opportunity until we can assess Graham Thorpe’s injury.
``He has been in fine form this season. We have an injury list which is very extensive and we have chosen after much debate today to give youth its chance.‘’
England are also currently without skipper Nasser Hussain and all-rounder Craig White, who were both forced to miss the one-day series because of injury.
Shah, who has played for England’s A team, is averaging more than 69 for Middlesex this season. He hit 203 against Durham and earlier this week made 50 in his county’s six-wicket victory over Australia in a one-day match at Lord’s.
Owais Shah hails from Karachi.