Try, try again. Bilal Shafayat certainly has.
One of the favourite pieces we read last year was Shafayat’s refreshingly honest interview with Andy Bull of The Guardian where the tale of Shafayat’s career from prodigious England Under-19 captain and a championship debut at 16 to being released in 2010 by Nottinghamshire was told.
As Bull explained, Shafayat was judged to be such a good prospect that he was described by the Daily Telegraph as "the most naturally talented English batsman since David Gower". He was also considered the star turn in an Under-19 team that included Alastair Cook, Tim Bresnan, Luke Wright, Samit Patel, Ravi Bopara, and Liam Plunkett.
Bull’s piece ended with Shafayat about to have a second trial with Sussex’s 2nd XI, but that didn’t lead to a contract and he went off to play for Hampshire’s 2nd XI last summer before having a spell with Habib Bank over the winter in Pakistan’s domestic competition.
What seemed another story of an unfulfilled talent drifting slowly out of the game at an early age (Shafayat is now 27), may have taken an unexpected and heart-warming turn after Hampshire gave him a short-term contract to cover for Michael Carberry (away with the Lions) and Jimmy Adams (injury concern).
Shafayat has taken the opportunity with both hands and today stroked 93 off just 119 balls against Derbyshire at the Rose Bowl. He couldn’t quite add to his tally of 10 first-class hundreds, but that seems rather apt given his tale of resurrection.
David Bowie’s second coming after Space Oddity had looked to have consigned him to the one-hit wonder brigade was better, longer lasting and far more successful. Not a bad template for Shafayat to emulate.
Billy may prove to be the Comeback Kid after all.
Where next?
Nick Compton: runs and jokes at Kevin Pietersen's expense
County Championship XI of the week #5
Cricket XIs: Cricketing Criminals
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