CANTERBURY, Dec 7: Amjad Khan, a Danish fast bowler with Pakistani roots, has set his sights on winning an England cap after being told that his application for British citizenship has been accepted.

Amjad, 26, was born in Copenhagen and became the youngest player to have represented Denmark at the age of 17.Nicknamed ‘Ammy’, he joined Kent in 1999, broke into the first-team squad in 2001 and has subsequently qualified for citizenship on residence grounds, making him immediately eligible for selection for England.

“Ever since I came to Kent in 1999 I have wanted to play for England and this confirmation of my eligibility is a real boost to my ambition to play cricket at the highest level,” Amjad said on Thursday. “I am working hard this winter at all aspects of my game and hope very much that next season I will continue to perform well for Kent and ultimately be successful in achieving further honours with England.”

Kent Chief Executive Paul Millman added: “We were all delighted to hear Amjad's news. The Kent coaching team have worked really hard with him since he came to us in 1999 and now that the pathway to England selection is clear I am sure Amjad will work even harder to make the most of his undoubted talents.”

Amjad considers himself a Dane and started playing the game in the Scandinavian country, but he acknowledges that it is his Pakistani heritage that pushed him towards the sport.

He told one interviewer: “When I was growing up my big hero was Imran Khan. I wanted to do everything on a cricket field like him.”

Amjad was Kent's top wicket-taker in the 2006 County Championship with 34 victims at an average of just over 30. He also performed well with the bat, averaging 32.66 in four-day matches.—AFP