Malan on a mission

17 April 2007

Owais Shah has impressed Dawid Malan since the latter's arrival at Lord's © Getty Images

Dawid Malan is hoping to use the 2007 season as the platform to earn a regular place in the Middlesex side.

The 19-year-old, a left-handed batsman and leg-break bowler, joined Middlesex last year from South African club cricket and made his debut in front of a packed house at the Brit Oval in a Twenty20 Cup match against Surrey.

Now Malan must show his form in the LV County Championship, widely recognised as the toughest test of a player's technique and temperament on the domestic circuit.

“I want to become double the player I am now,” Malan said. “I believe that Middlesex will help me to become that player I want to be so that I can make a successful career out of cricket.

Middlesex finished bottom of Division One last season, but Malan believes there is enough class in the squad, especially with the addition of overseas stars Chaminda Vaas and Murali Kartik, to get them back up at the first attempt.

“I feel that with the squad that Middlesex have they can get back into the First Division,” Malan said.

“It’s a squad full of potential and I believe that we will improve immensely on last year’s performance and get back into the top flight.”

Malan reveals England batsman Owais Shah has impressed him most since joining the Lord’s outfit.

“I like his attitude towards the game and his willingness to help and make time for others,” Malan said. “He works hard at his game and that shows in his performances.”