HE is most well-known for frustrating Australia as England’s 12th man at the start of the 2009 Ashes.

But Bilal Shafayat is determined to show Hampshire fans why he was once rated an England player of the future destined for more than a mere cameo role.

Shafayat frustrated Ricky Ponting’s Australia by twice interrupting play as England clinched a famous draw in the series opener at Cardiff.

Three years on and the former teenage prodigy has being given the chance to resurrect his first-class career at The Ageas Bowl.

He is determined to take it.

“That last-wicket stand between James Anderson and Monty Panesar was brilliant, they played amazingly well and prior to them so did Paul Collingwood,” recalls a smiling Shafayat.

“England played very well and deserved to draw that Test match. But I don’t want that to be my only claim to fame – hopefully there will be other things people remember me for!”

After being released by Notts in 2010, Shafayat scored a double century for Hampshire’s 2nd XI last year.

And after impressing against Essex in the Second Eleven Championship last week he is set to make his debut against Derbyshire today.

“I registered last Friday,” said the 27-year-old, who began the season as Shropshire’s professional in the Minor Counties Championship.

“The exact terms and conditions are yet to be discussed but I’ve been waiting for the chance to play first-team cricket and I’m very excited to be part of the squad.

“The last year and a half has been tough but Hampshire’s a great place to be and I’ll be available for the whole season now.

“I’m still not quite where I want to be to secure myself in professional cricket.

“But if I don’t play in the first team I’ll keep pushing in the seconds, like any other staff member.”

Shafayat is expected to come in for one of Hampshire’s seam attack against Derbyshire, the leaders of the Championship’s second division. “If this game had gone four days they might have played the extra bowler but it’s an opportunity for me and I’m really excited,” he said.

“It’s going to be a two-day game now – weather permitting – and I’m really looking forward to it.

“If it becomes a game we’ll be up for the challenge and if it’s just for bonus points we’ll still prepare the right way and be ready for when it starts.”

Bilal Shafayat looks back on his career so far in this weekend's Sports Pink