I’ve enjoyed some rare leisure time since the end of our long England tour and it’s been nice to catch up with friends in London, Dubai and Karachi.

When all the boys returned to Pakistan from England, I stayed on for three days and went down to London to see Azhar Mahmood, who’s playing well for Surrey.

In fact, I made Azhar a job offer on behalf of Habib Bank to come and play for us in the Patrons Trophy. He said he will think it over and get back with his answer after the English season. He didn’t play any cricket in Pakistan last year after being with UBL (United Bank Ltd.) and KRL (Khan Research Laboratories) before.

He is still only 31, he’s not finished, he still has plenty of cricket in him and I think he could stage a comeback for Pakistan, though we obviously have a lot of strength in that area. Azhar was once our leading all-rounder but has been in and out ever since. He needs to play some domestic cricket in Pakistan to give himself a chance. 

My time in Dubai was very short but it was nice to catch up with friends and do some shopping. I bought some fishing equipment there and was able to try it out when I got to Karachi. In four days in Karachi, where a brother of mine lives, I went fishing for two days. I caught one fish that was six kilos so I suppose you could say it was a successful trip!

I’m now back in Mardan and it has been nice to catch up with family and friends again. It’s only now that I have been able to relax and reflect on my success of the England tour. I know that our results should have been better with the ability we have, but I was satisfied with my own batting.

The lesson I learned from Rahul Dravid back at the 2004 Champions Trophy is still helping me. He told me that I should always look to try my best but if it wasn't enough I shouldn’t worry.

Ever since I think I have been more relaxed about my game. I desperately want to perform for my country, for myself and for my family but you can only try your best. Thankfully this attitude has helped my batting and everything is going in the right direction.

I didn’t speak much to the England players over the tour but I did have a few conversations with Monty Panesar, who actually knows a few words of Urdu. I was very impressed with him during the series.

I’m not surprised that England rewarded him with a central contract as he has soon become a key bowler for them. That delivery he bowled me with at Headingley was probably the best ball of the series.

I wouldn’t want to put too much pressure on him yet by saying he is one of the best spinners in the world, it is too early for that, but I certainly think he can have a good Ashes tour. 

England must give him a chance in the one-dayers as well. They need a good spinner like Panesar in one-day cricket; he should be more than just a Test bowler. He’s in good form and he doesn’t give you half-volleys or short balls.

Everybody knows that these days batsmen like Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden, Inzy, Brian Lara or Kevin Pietersen will look to attack spinners so it’s important to have bowlers who can keep it tight. Good luck to him.