The first test between England and Pakistan offers the intriguing possibility of the tourists omitting their man from Rawalpindi – and the hosts selecting theirs.
While Pakistan pace bowler Shoaib Akhtar – dubbed the ``Rawalpindi Express’’ – is struggling to earn selection, England could opt for Nottinghamshire’s Usman Afzaal when they name their squad for the Lord’s game starting on Thursday.
Afzaal, born in Rawalpindi but bred in Nottingham, has already represented England at under 19 level.
After making more than 1,000 first-class runs last year, he was called up by England A to take part in the Busta Cup in the West Indies at the start of the year.
The 23-year-old Afzaal, who also bowls useful left-arm spin, describes himself as ``a very good friend’’ of Shoaib, whose lack of match fitness – he has not played since February following injury – may see him sidelined.
The two looked set to play together at Notts last year before Shoaib was forced to pull out with injury.
If Afzaal is to become the latest man with strong Asian connections to play for England, he may have to see off Graeme Hick, Ian Ward, Mark Ramprakash – or Vikram Solanki.
Worcestershire batsman Solanki – born in Udaipur in India – is an outside bet after failing to take his chance in eight one-day internationals for England against South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Afzaal, however, has the perfect role model in England captain Nasser Hussain. He was born in Madras.