In tournament cricket, with a new opponent each game, I think you actually need to play to your own strengths more.

Sometimes in Asian homes it is all about where we've come from, which is important too, but it is about where you live and where you're born and the people who are the same as you.

I never get too over-confident, or too down. I just go with the flow.

It's not easy for a player who considers him or herself to be a proper batter to then adjust down the order. Put anyone there and the scores won't necessarily come. You can lose a bit of love for it, too.

In terms of trying to inspire other people with faith to play and stuff I am very proud of that. I remember seeing Muslim athletes or guys with other faiths performing and still carrying the label of being a religious person and it does inspire people.

I have played quite a few Test matches in the back garden with my two brothers.

You do your best but I think I'm going to try and get back in as a batsman first, spinner second.

When you're quiet, others can form opinions that are way off the mark.

If they come after me and my bowling you get a bit down. But when I am fielding I think about it and there are worse things that can happen. I take in the atmosphere a bit and think this is not too bad.

If I wasn't doing this, I'd be working in a chippy. Cricket can change your life. It can teach you a lot about discipline and life in general.

In sport, the underdog does come out on top quite a bit.

It took a lot of sacrifice from my dad. He managed to put cricket nets in our garden because he knew we had to practise every day. That would also keep us away from the streets.

From nine, I started playing cricket. From 11, I knew this is what I'm doing.

I know my responsibilities. They are to my religion, my parents, my wife, my family and my community.

In Twenty20 it's not always about straight drives and high elbows. It's amazing how far you can hit the ball. I've always been able to hit the ball far but not consistently like I have in practice over here. I'm enjoying it so much.

Look at a player like Divock Origi. No one was talking about the guy and then suddenly he becomes a hero.

I don't want anyone to think I don't love playing for England because playing for your country is the greatest thing a cricketer can do.

I think a lot of people do see me as like a role model or as an ambassador.

If I can play, and change the mind of one person about being a Muslim player and having a beard, then I'll feel as if I've done my job.

People have the right to support who they want of course but I'm hoping in the future maybe they or their kids will become England fans and players.

I coach for my dad's academy. Sometimes it's just about being there - it's not just the coaching - it's seeing that you are there to inspire or they are trying to impress you.

A lot of the Indian supporters would have been born in Birmingham, have Birmingham accents. It is my home city as well. Second, third generations from the sub-continent still support India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

We're a tight-knit city in Birmingham. We have so much around us that brings the people together, no matter who you are or your background.

And in an Ashes series the best approach as a player is to not get caught up in feeling pressure for your position but to think only about the greater cause. How can I contribute? It could be a single moment, like a blinding catch or a run out. Think only of the team's needs.

Runs are important, don't get me wrong, but it will be wickets that I will be judged on.

The England team is made up of good people, first and foremost, and we are a very multicultural side, too. I believe we represent our country well and our diversity is one of our strengths.

Difference is respected and the environment Eoin Morgan has created is such that we are encouraged to transfer our personalities into our cricket.

When I look back on my career in years to come I will be proud to say I did not just play in a good England team but one with good people, too.

I grew up playing against friends and cousins in the park and it was some of the most competitive cricket I have played.

In 2014, my first year as an England player, I got booed by some India fans at Edgbaston every time the ball went near me.

Cricket can produce some amazing feelings on the field and I have been lucky enough to experience a few along the way.

Obviously as players we want to play every game. But when you do miss out, I strongly believe the job is to not sulk and make things uncomfortable for those picked or the captain.

Coming on to bowl in the opening powerplay might look stressful for a spinner but I actually quite like it.

You have family and kids, you get home and they want to play with you but you just end up on your phone. I caught myself doing that when my little one wanted a kickaround and I decided I'd had enough.

It's always nice to get a call-up when in decent nick as you can have that confidence coming into the game. It's what county cricket should do.

With young kids watching and hearing the news, we have to be on our best behaviour. I think it's really important that we inspire the younger generation to take up the game. It could turn them away. That's not what we want.

Through county cricket all the way up to international cricket, the individual needs to be responsible for his behaviour.

We want cricket to grow for kids, and for families to come and watch.

I talk quite a lot in the changing room, try and joke around, keep the energy going, try to lift guys if they are struggling, even if I am struggling.

I've always said it's just a game of cricket. The only pressure I get is when I feel I've let the team down.

That's the best thing: just being part of the team.

I know people aren't sure about men who look like I do. People don't see the beard as a bit of hair. I've been shouted at, called some horrible names, and when I first came to Worcester I noticed people crossing the road to avoid me.

I wear the beard as a label. I want people to know I am a Muslim and I want people to know I am representing the Muslim faith. I want to show that you can practise your faith and still play cricket to a high level.

We all played in my family and cricket has always been in the blood.

I think my dad always believed I would play for England, probably more than I believed it, but it never crossed our minds that we weren't going to make it.

I am a Muslim, yes, but I am also very English. People don't realise how proud I am to be representing my country or being from Birmingham.

Being English, being born in England, this is our home and we should be supporting our home country.