WILL Eason has praised the way former England paceman Ajmal Shahzad has fitted in at Horspath.

The 31-year-old, who played one Test and 11 one-day internationals, joined the club on a short-term deal from Sussex as cover for overseas star Rameez Raja last week.

Shahzad’s Home Counties Premier League Division 1 debut may not have gone to plan as Horspath fell to a 59-run loss at Oxford, but captain Eason was pleased with the impact the bowler had on the dressing room.

He said: “Ajmal was superb when he came in, fitted straight in, and was so professional throughout the day.

“The one thing with him is he has bowled a lot in the nets, but not outside in match situations.

“Hopefully this weekend he will come to the party, but we can’t just rely on him.”

Shahzad is relishing the chance to line up again for Horspath when they face Tring Park tomorrow.

The paceman took 1-67 from ten overs and scored five runs last week, but is confident his form will improve.

He told Horspath's website: “There are always expectations of people coming in to fill that void and you hope to live up to the expectations, but unfortunately it was not my day.

“They are a great bunch of lads (at Horspath) and they have great enthusiasm.

“Having played international and county cricket, coming back to club level I know what it takes to play to county level, and they are not a million miles away with their pre-match chats and warm-ups.”

Shahzad is also hoping his time with Horspath will help his fight to regain a first-team place at Sussex.

The former Lancashire and Yorkshire bowler was thrilled to be given the chance to open the bowling after having limited opportunities down at Hove.

He said: “It had been a while, but every time you get that new ball in your hand it is a lovely feeling.

“To get ten overs under your belt, you can’t replicate that in the nets.

“I would love to fight for my first-team spot.

“I am out of the side, but I want to stay fit and be ready and games like this help.

“The Twenty20 is coming up and I really want to play in that especially with the way it is spreading around the world, and with the city T20 here in 2020.”