Shah Wins Frizzell Award For August — 02/09/2005

At the start of the summer, few had predicted that it would be Surrey and Middlesex battling it out to avoid relegation from the Frizzell County Championship and with time fast running out, Middlesex batsman Owais Shah may have helped to give his side the edge and condemn Surrey to the second tier of the Championship.

Three Tons

Three centuries in August have earned Shah the latest Frizzell County Championship PCA Performance of the Month award and seen his side move to fourth from bottom of the first division table, one place above South East rivals Surrey and with a game in hand. With Glamorgan and Gloucestershire almost certain to take two of the three relegation places, Surrey are now favourites to join them.

Shah scored 156 not out against reigning champions Warwickshire, hit an unbeaten 173 at Nottinghamshires Trent Bridge and then made 105 in his sides draw at league leaders Kent.

Stevens Close

It was Kents Darren Stevens who pushed Shah closest for the monthly award, also hitting three centuries in August including 208 against relegated Glamorgan in an innings victory for his Championship-chasing county.

And The Winner Receives...

Shah will receive £750 from County Championship sponsors Frizzell for claiming the August Frizzell PCA award. The best performances in the Frizzell County Championship are nominated each month by a panel including county PCA representatives plus ex-England bowler Gladstone Small and England Chairman of Selectors David Graveney.