AJMAL Shahzad concedes he has taken one step forward and two steps back this summer – but has vowed to be back playing for England sooner rather than later.

The 25-year-old appeared to have a busy summer of international cricket ahead of him having made his one-day debut against Bangladesh in March and Test bow again against the Tigers in June.

Shahzad was also initially selected as part of the squad for the first Test against Pakistan at Trent Bridge last month after overcoming a hamstring niggle but missed out after injuring his ankle while practising.

The Huddersfield-born seamer hasn’t been called upon since and has played sparingly for Yorkshire with county teammate Tim Bresnan selected in the England squad for all four Tests but failing to play.

However, with a full-time return almost imminent as well as two Twenty20 and five one-day internationals against Pakistan, Shahzad admits he is hell-bent on making up for lost time.

“It has been a little bit of a disappointing time because I had the hamstring injury but came back superbly from it and then went over on my ankle,” said Shahzad.

“Ideally I would have had two to three weeks off and been back superbly again but it has taken a little bit longer than I thought.

“After being selected in the squad for the first Test I wanted to come back as soon as I possibly could and I would have loved to have played in the fourth Test.

“I’ll probably be back fully in a week or so, I am feeling a bit stronger now and hopefully I’ll be back to 100% very soon. I think I just need to be back 100% and bowling well. If I am bowling well and taking wickets and hopefully getting runs as well then if the selectors want me I am there and ready to go.”

Shahzad impressed England selectors during his Test debut and the one-day series against Bangladesh that followed taking four and five wickets respectively – but revealed he hasn’t spoken to them since.

“I’ve been playing through this ankle injury and I’ve still been bowling well and taking wickets and I am looking forward to perhaps getting back into the England set up,” he added.

“I haven’t spoken with the selectors and I just need to keep playing cricket.”

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