Middlesex right-hander refusing to get carried away
Owais Shah remained cautious about his prospects of securing a place in England's side for the first Test against New Zealand despite his 96 against an Invitational XI on Monday.
The Middlesex right-hander top-scored for the tourists as they made 369-9 by the close of play against a side that included five members of New Zealand's last Test line-up.
Shah's efforts are likely to have struck a particular chord with selectors, especially given that Andrew Strauss - widely viewed as his rival for a spot in England's top order - could manage only four.
However, Shah refused to get carried away about his prospects despite a fine knock.
"It didn't quite happen for me with getting to three figures, but I was reasonably happy with the way I struck the ball so I can't complain," he stated.
"It's important to get a good start, impress the selectors, the captain and the coach and try and put some runs on the board so I can put my name in the hat for selection for the first Test.
"It's still early days because we've got another three day game against a good side to come so if I do get chance in that and get some runs then I think I will have put some pressure on the selectors to pick me for the first Test."
Shah is expecting the side named to play in that next warm-up match, against the Select XI, to be very close to the team chosen by England to contest the start of the series at Seddon Park.
"I'm guessing but I'd have thought they'll play the team for the first Test in
the three-day game and I'd like to think I've put my name in the hat for that," he added.
"If I can get the nod for that and get some runs in that then obviously the first Test then I'd like to think I will be in the mixer."
