Usman Afzaal's elevation to the England Test squad for the First Test against Australia has seen his rise to the very top levels of the game continue.

Afzaal, who was the only Nottinghamshire batsman to score 1,000 Championship runs last summer, at an average of 44.26, was a member of the England 'A' tour to the West Indies earlier this year, and combines a solid batting style with part-time left-arm spin – he took eight wickets whilst in the Caribbean.

Born in Rawalpindi, he is nevertheless wholly committed to England, his "adopted country". "The way I see it, this country has given me everything," he said last year. His compatriot and friend, Shoaib Akhtar, has praised his abilities, admitting that "I have had difficulties bowling against him. He has made a hundred against Glenn McGrath, against Saqlain Mushtaq and, I believe, Allan Donald. He is good enough to play international cricket."

Shoaib's claim may well be put to the test over the coming week, with Afzaal widely expected to be brought into England's middle order, alongside late selection Mark Butcher and the inexperienced Ian Ward. If Afzaal can replicate his county form this season on the higher stage, then he will prosper – his 88 last week against Worcestershire showed his abilities as a batsman.

His past encounters with the Aussies' most fearsome bowler, Glenn McGrath, are also encouraging. Encouraged by Notts manager Clive Rice to go on the attack, Afzaal scored a scintillating unbeaten 151 at Trent Bridge, an innings described by Rice as "something special. You could tell that Glenn McGrath didn't want to bowl at him. He wanted to bowl at the others."

England supporters and management alike will be desperately hoping that Afzaal can fill the breach left by the home side's best batsman, the injured Graham Thorpe. Yet an Edgbaston Ashes Test is a world away from a home county game, and Afzaal, if he is to shine in the limelight he finds himself thrust into, must combine such flashing strokeplay as he is certainly capable with the solid defence upon which he has built his reputation. And, as with all debutantes, he will need the luck which so far seems to have deserted Team England.

© CricInfo