KENT’S Danish-born strike bowler Amjad Khan is investigating the prospects of playing Test cricket for England.

Although the 21-year-old rookie from Copenhagen is enjoying his maiden season in the county’s first team, he has already set his sights on the English international scene.

Khan, the youngest player ever selected by Denmark, was recommended to Kent by former Derbyshire seamer Ole Mortensen, but four years on Khan is considering his English options.

"My first priority of all is to do well for Kent, but yes, I do have ambition to play for England and have looked into the situation regarding qualification," said Khan. "It’s my first full season so I want to play all year for Kent and give it my best shot so have told Denmark that I won’t be playing for them in the ICC competition which starts in about three weeks' time."

Khan had to beat off competition from Martin McCague, Ben Trott, David Masters and James Hewitt to win his Kent place at the start of the season, but has rewarded the faith of skippers David Fulton and Matthew Fleming.

Apart from being awarded his 2nd XI cap, Khan has taken 23 first-class wickets, twice claimed five in an innings, bagged career-best match figures of eight for 166 in Liverpool last week and has been promoted to open the innings in Kent one-day games.

No wonder, Khan says he is enjoying his cricket with Kent and thankful for the opportunity of becoming a trailblazer for Danish cricket.

"Dave, Matthew and our coach Ian Brayshaw have been really good to me because they understand that I come from a different cricketing culture than our other players and have slightly different needs," he added.

"All three have backed me all the way and even played me on slightly slower decks like the pitch at Tunbridge Wells. That wasn’t an ideal wicket for me, but I got decent carry and was pleased to play a supporting role for Martin Saggers."

Khan may well have another four years to wait before realising his England Test ambition, but at this rate of progress it would take a brave man to bet against him.