Shafayat Excited for Opportunity Despite No Play on Day Two

Bilal Shafayat has been drafted into the squad for this match

Report from day two of Hampshire's LV= County Championship match against Derbyshire at The Ageas Bowl

hampshire v Derbyshire
LV= County Championship
Day Two: Thursday 10 May 2012
The Ageas Bowl

Summary: Scheduled hours of play 1100hrs - 1800hrs
No Toss Information Yet
Scorecard
Hampshire Team
TBC
Derbyshire Team
TBC

Having wiped out all of day one's play, rain once again got the better of everyone on day two of Hampshire's LV= County Championship match against Derbyshire at The Ageas Bowl.

That means that half of the game is already gone (with no teams nor toss as yet even confirmed) and it looks likely, therefore, that it's going to take some creative cricket for either side to gain a result.

It does, however, potentially strengthen Second XI player, Bilal Shafayat's case for a game. He was drafted into the squad for the match overnight with the decision that a shortened match might require a reinforced batting line-up.

And, though the 27-year old is not yet confirmed for the starting XI, he did say that he was looking forward to getting an opportunity if it came along.

"I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be a two-day game now, weather permitting, so we'll really have to see how it goes. If it becomes a game then we'll be up for the challenge and if it's just for bonus points, we'll prepare the same way and be ready for when it starts.

"I hope to be here for the long term. It's a lovely place to be. There's some great people around, the support staff is very good and there are some experienced players up there that I can learn from. [Simon] Katich has been someone I've already been badgering about cricket for the last couple of hours.

"If I can help in any way or form, and I fit in, then I'll be more than happy to do that for the rest of my career."

To hear the rest of this interview click on the link below: