Expected selectors to recall me for Bangladesh Tests: Batty

Gareth Batty, the 38-year-old offspinner, won a surprise recall to England's 17-member Test squad for the tour of Bangladesh on Friday (September 16). The Surrey captain last played in a Test match back in 2005 against Bangladesh at Chester-le-Street. Incidentally, Graeme Swann, who went on to pick up 255 Test wickets for his country, was still three years away from making his Test debut at that time.

An elated Batty, wrote in his column for the Evening Standard that he was expecting a call-up, as James Whitaker, the national selector, watched him bowl during Surrey's Championship game against Durham this week. He also stated that he has added a few more weapons to his repertoire and is confident of putting up a good show in Bangladesh.

"Sure enough, I got the call on Wednesday evening to tell me I was in the Test squad for the forthcoming tour of Bangladesh. I am a very patriotic man so when my country calls, I respond without hesitation.

"I know people may question my age. I will be 39 next month, but I honestly believe I am bowling better than I ever have. I have always looked to improve throughout my career and my understanding of what I can do gets better every year. Until my body can no longer do what I ask of it, I am confident I will continue to become a better bowler," he wrote.

Batty is a finger spinner who depends on clever changes of pace and deception. The 38-year-old wrote that he has tried to pick up new tricks of the trade by watching other spinners closely.

"I always watch other spinners around the world to try to add some of what they do to my game. For example, I have studied Saeed Ajmal, the Pakistani off-spinner, over the years. By watching closely his approach to the crease, I have been able to bowl better at left-handed batsmen," he observed.

England and Wales Cricket Broad (ECB) decided to go ahead with the Bangladesh tour only after a three-member panel headed by Reg Dickason assessed the conditions in the Asian country and were satisfied with the security arrangements.

"I realise that security has been an issue in the build-up to this tour but there has never been any doubt in my mind. I am not judging anyone but if the tour has been declared safe, that is good enough for me. Playing for your country is the pinnacle, whether you're 38 or 18," he wrote.

Batty also reckoned that England have a talented group of spinners to perform well on subcontinental tracks that assist the spinners. "A squad of four spinners is a wonderful thing and I feel very privileged to be part of it. Bowling spin is my craft, my trade and I'm very passionate about it. Anything I can offer - either through playing or providing a sounding for other spinners - then I will do my utmost.

"It is an exciting challenge, whether you are my age, or on your first tour like Zafar Ansari. There is huge skill within the spin bowling group and our challenge is to adapt to conditions and help England win," he concluded.