Ajmal Shahzad insists he is back to full fitness after his recent hamstring and ankle problems.

But the pace bowler believes the best way for him to prove it is by playing for Yorkshire against Nottinghamshire this week rather than being the odd one out in England’s 12-man squad for the second Test match against Pakistan at Edgbaston.

The 25-year-old was yesterday left out of the national squad to allow him to play in today’s heavyweight Championship clash at Headingley.

County colleague Tim Bresnan has replaced him in the England squad, and will not be available for the White Rose.

Shahzad, who featured in the Clydesdale Bank 40 win over the Netherlands in Schiedam on Sunday, said: “It has been very frustrating being out injured, but now it feels great to be back.

“I am probably lacking a bit of rhythm at the moment, but I am sure it will come back with a few more games.

“My ankle felt fine on impact. Physically, I am 100 per cent. There was no pain at all.

“I could probably do with a couple more games for Yorkshire before I go back to England. Playing against Nottinghamshire will be a really good option for me.”

Andy Flower is almost certain to name an unchanged eleven on Friday after the massive win at Trent Bridge.

That would have meant – had he been selected in the squad – Shahzad would not get any match practice until Yorkshire’s 40-over match against Derbyshire this weekend.

Now he can prove his fitness during four tough days of cricket against Notts.

Shahzad continued: “It will be good for me and for Yorkshire. The only way I can improve and learn is by playing cricket. Hopefully that will be a bonus for Yorkshire as well if I can take some wickets.”

Yorkshire go into today’s fixture, their first of two against Notts, one point clear of the Trent Bridge side having played 11 matches.

Mick Newell’s men, who have only played ten, lost their third match of the season against fellow challengers Somerset at Taunton last week.

If Yorkshire can win their fifth match of the campaign, they will effectively wipe out that game in hand.

Shahzad added: “A win against Notts would be vital for us. It is a big game – and, because they lost against Somerset, they will be desperate for a win too.”

Newell expects to have former Tykes left arm seamer Ryan Sidebottom available today after his missed the Somerset match.

And Newell refuses to accept that the title contest is only a two-horse race.

He said: “I don’t really see this Notts-Yorkshire thing at all. Five teams can win the Championship, maybe six.

“The winner of that game won’t necessarily win the Championship.”

Meanwhile, Azeem Rafiq’s hearing with the ECB will take place tomorrow at Lord’s.

Rafiq’s suspension from Yorkshire duty will remain at least until the ECB decide what action they want to take after his Twitter rant at his England under-19s boss John Abrahams.