Owais credits Azharuddin for change in batting fortunes

By Qaiser Mohammad Ali, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, March 19 (IANS) Debutant England batsman Owais Shah, who scored a fine 88 on the second day of the third Test against India here Sunday, credited former India captain Mohammed Azharuddin for his change in fortunes.

But Azharuddin, who saw Shah bat at the Wankhede Stadium Saturday and Sunday, refused to take credit. He had changed the grip and stance and asked Shah to remain positive when the batsman flew down to the former India captain's hometown Hyderabad in 2004.

'He put me up in a hotel for 10 days and gave me batting lessons,' said Shah after his fine debut despite cramps in his hands.

'After going back to England I stuck to these. They helped me here,' said Shah, who scored 93 and 65 in Middlesex's six-wicket win over Surrey in an English County Championship match immediately after his return to England.

'I'm hitting the ball in better places now,' Shah had said after those knocks.

Azharuddin said he was happy that Shah made use of his tips. 'I only helped him change his stance and grip. I wish he had got a century.'

Shah's 88 helped England make 400 in their first innings and India replied with 89 for three on the second day of the five-day Test Sunday.

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