Ahmed targets all-round consistency before Ashes

Rehan Ahmed created history on his Test debut, becoming the youngest-ever player to pick a five-for in the format. Having found success early in his career, he featured in England's subsequent sub-continent assignments, including the tour of India.

Despite his 22 wickets from five outings, Ahmed didn't find a place in the England Test squad on a regular basis. He was missing from the recently concluded home series against India, despite an injury to first-choice spinner Shoaib Bashir.

But Ahmed has boosted his credentials ahead of the all-important Ashes Down Under. He found immense success in the domestic season for Leicestershire scoring 760 runs in 10 matches that included five centuries to go with his 23 wickets, making a good case for himself as an all-round spin bowling prospect.

“I still feel like I’m a bowler who bowls and a batter who can bat,” Ahmed stated in an interview with Telegraph Sport.

Ahmed was pleased with his recent run with the willow, and had confidence in his batting abilities.

“I want to be very good at both. Whether that takes me years or happens quickly, I will always be striving to be the best all-rounder I can.

“I feel that if I occupy the crease long enough, I will always find ways to score. I just had to find a way to stay out there long enough. I am surprised that I’ve kept my head switched on long enough to get five hundreds, but I’m delighted."

Steve Smith bowling leg-spin during early stages of his career //Getty Images

On being given a hint about the Steve Smith comparisons, with the Australia batting stalwart also having started as a leg-spinning all-rounder before becoming an all-time great batter, Ahmed reiterated that bowling was his primary skill.

"I love bowling, too! Whenever I’ve played for England, it’s been as a bowler. I still do think that’s my first skill and I am trying to learn as much as I possibly can.

"Leg-spin is an art that you can never perfect. It’s about working as hard as possible.

“I want to bowl as much as I possibly can. I enjoy it. I love being part of the game as much as I can. So I just want to get runs and a load of wickets consistently in the same games.”

While Ahmed was thrilled at the prospect of featuring in the Ashes, he was keeping his feet grounded, stating that the ultimate call on selection remained with the managememnt.

“I’ve never been to Australia, never played there. It looks a great place to play, and the Ashes is an incredible occasion. I’d love to be a part of it.

"I know the management, if they pick me, they back me 100 per cent. If they don’t, it’s because they don’t think I’m the right man for the job there. I have full faith in their judgement.

“If you asked any man on the street if they wanted to play in the Ashes, they’d jump at the chance. If I don’t go, it’ll be a great watch.”