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

But the former Bradford League 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 against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Friday.

The 25-year-old was left out of the national squad today to allow him to play in tomorrow's heavyweight LV= County Championship clash at Headingley. County colleague Tim Bresnan has replaced him in the England squad, and will not be available to 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, but I am sure it will come back with a few more games.

"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.

"It will be good for me and 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."

Leaders Yorkshire go into tomorrow'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."

Meanwhile, Azeem Rafiq’s hearing with the ECB will take place on Wednesday 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.