Cocksure and confident, Usman Afzaal, 24, demonstrated his commitment to the cause when celebrating his maiden Test fifty, against Australia at The Oval in August. The jury is still out on his international credentials, but on self-belief alone he is a world-beater. When we caught up with him at Heathrow, he was straining at the leash to get the cricket underway, talking briskly and cheerfully, and displaying none of the anxieties that have dogged the build-up to this tour. How are you?
Brilliant, thanks, brilliant!

What have you been doing since the end of the season?
I put my feet up for four or five days, but really I couldn't wait to get straight back into the gym and the nets.

Have you played in India before?
Yeah, about two years ago I spent a fortnight at Dennis Lillee's training camp in Madras, where I faced stacks of bowlers in the outdoor nets. I haven't had the chance to go back though.

What are you most looking forward to?
India is a beautiful country with exciting crowds, and it's a great place to play cricket. I'm looking forward to giving it 110% for the country, and I'll be giving myself the best chance to do well.

What are you least looking forward to?
Nothing - I'm a really positive man, I'm going out there to work hard and do well.

Are you a good flier?
A good flier? [slightly taken aback by the question.] Nah, we won't have any problems flying - it's only about eight or nine hours. Nothing too chronic.

What have you packed that isn't standard kit?
[Thinks long and hard, but evidently has no plans to be bored.] Well, I'm going out there for the cricket really. Maybe a few casual clothes for the evening, and one or two books to keep me busy. Not a lot else, really.

Are you taking any special food?
[Enthusiastically] I love Indian food! It's fantastic. I'll be checking out all the restaurants and tucking in!

Is there anyone in the party you haven't met?
Most of the guys were part of the squad during the fifth Test [against Australia], and of course we play county cricket against each other. I hadn't met Richard Dawson before today though.

How do you propose to deal with Harbhajan and Kumble?
My plan is to be positive, to be Usman Afzaal, and to play the way Usman Afzaal does, to take the attack back to the opposition, and let them think about where to bowl it.

How do you rate England's chances?
[Deadly serious tone of voice.] Very good … very, very good. We have a fantastic side full of talent and matchwinners. I just can't wait to get out there.

What's your personal goal?
My personal goal is to work hard, on and off the field, and if I'm given the opportunity, to take the chance with both hands and make England proud of Usman Afzaal.

Now that the talking is over, what does it mean to you, as a Muslim, to go on this tour?
[In earnest] This tour means the world to me. I am a Muslim, but I am also proud to be British. I cannot describe what it feels like to play for England, to go out to bat wearing the three lions. I am very, very proud.

A Word With ...
Matthew Hoggard
Martyn Ball
Mark Butcher
Mark Ramprakash

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