To be called upon to stride out to bat against a formidable Australian and English attack can be daunting enough, but to do it on your debut and on the swinging pitches of England is certainly an almighty ask. The challenge proved too much for a young and inexperienced Umer Amin in the summer of 2010 as he struggled to come to terms with the alien conditions.

A year since that eventful series, PakPassion.net spoke with a confident Umer Amin on the learning’s from that tour and his ambitions for the future.

Before being thrust into the limelight of international cricket, Umer Amin had built up a reputation as a dazzling prospect for the future following some starring performances in the domestic scene as well as on A tours. However as Umer recalled, his international introduction did not go as smoothly as he had envisaged. “That international tour was the toughest tour I have ever been on,” Umer said, “not just because it was an international tour, but the conditions were very tough to bat on.”

After 4 test matches, Umer managed a meagre highest score of 33. In comparison, a glance at the runs from the widely acknowledged Indian batting line-up in its just concluded test series in England also makes for grim reading. Over 8 test innings, the highest batting total India were able to muster up as a team was a paltry 300, clearly showing that unfamiliar conditions can have a devastating effect on even the most experienced campaigners. Umer can certainly take solace from India’s batting display. “We have just seen how India has been whitewashed in England 4-0. Thankfully we were still able to win 2 test matches in England - one against England and one against Australia.”

Umer’s time in the middle was minimum to note, but the stylish left hander was still convinced that the baptism of fire he experienced on that tour would hold him in good stead for the future. “It was a tough tour, but I still gained a lot from that tour. I learnt what needs to be done to accumulate runs in difficult conditions when they are not easy to come by. I learnt how to utilise myself in such conditions and how to play with discipline and stay long at the crease.”

With the political situation in Pakistan volatile, gone are the days that aspiring young Pakistani cricketers could ease into the international scene by making their introduction in familiar home conditions and Umer was accepting of this reality. “In the past, a young player would have had the benefit of playing on their home grounds where they are used to the conditions, but we certainly don't have that advantage.” Umer though was quick to add, “It is always easier to play on home conditions, but the best players are those that are able to adjust and successfully score in all conditions - home and away.”

Umer was unwilling to point to blame in any direction and took full responsibility for his shortcomings on that tour. “Honestly, after the England tour I am only disappointed in the way I performed on that tour.” While more than often players fault selectors for limited opportunities and lack of support, Umer spoke like a true professional. “I have no hard feelings for not being given a chance and being dropped as I feel I had ample chances with 4 test matches. The tough conditions made it hard for me, but Inshallah [God willing] when I get my next opportunity in international cricket I hope to show a lot more maturity and composure.

The Rawalpindi born batsmen continued that he had no regrets about his introductions to international cricket, and felt that it had allowed him to further develop his batting. “While I had not come across more difficult batting conditions than the ones we came across on that tour, I think it has helped me a lot as now wherever I play, I find batting conditions so much easier. So Inshallah in the upcoming season, there will be an improvement in my batting.”

With the new domestic season in Pakistan due to kick off next month with Faysal Bank Twenty20 competition in Lahore, Umer was “eagerly awaiting” the opportunity to showcase himself as a more effective run-maker. “I have been working hard preparing for this season and I hope my performance will shine through.”

The cricket off-season for Umer has been spent on various camps and mentally preparing himself as he aspires to reclaim his test cap. Umer explained, “Technically I have done a bit of fine-tuning with my batting. But mostly, I have worked very much on making myself mentally strong and it has helped improve my confidence level.”

One of the camps which Umer attended was the Emerging Players camp which was led by current chief selector, Mohsin Khan. “This camp included opening batsmen and prime fast bowlers from all over Pakistan and it helped me immensely.” Mohsin Khan who himself was a successful opening batsman for Pakistan was able to share his batting experience with Umer. “Mohsin Bhai was our batting consultant in this camp and he talked to me about the importance of how to develop an innings, how to stay at the wicket for long periods, and how to play with a bowler's mind. Tactically his input was very helpful to me.”

The 21 year old Rawalpindi Rams batsman was aware of the nonstop learning required in order to realise his goals. “Cricket is such a game, that everyday you learn something new and this is especially true at my age. Only when you get to the 30s, do you begin to mature as a batsman.”

With youthfulness still on his side, Umer is confident that the selectors will notice his hard work and another opportunity will present itself. “I am still going through a development phase as a cricketer and still learning a lot. I am working hard to adapt to these improvements to help me return to the international team.”