Shah Boosts World Cup Claim

Middlesex and ECB Academy batsman Owais Shah boosted his claim for a World Cup squad place today in his club's match against Essex Eagles at Chelmsford.

Shah made 54 from just 57 balls in a superb, aggressive knock including 5 fours and 2 consecutive sixes.

Shah will hope that this innings will boost his chances of filling in the gap left by the retired Graham Thorpe in England's one-day side middle-order.

So far, Shah has been disappointing in one-day cricket for his country, passing fifty just twice in nine innings, and averaging 24. However, at the age of just 24, there is plenty of time for him improve on this, and if he bats like he did today, he'll have no trouble in succeeding.