Representing England has always been a privilege and my decision to take a break from Test cricket at the end of the home summer was made to ensure that, hopefully, I can do it for a lot longer.
My dad always wanted me to be a cricketer, study no chance. Once he saw that I was quite good for my age, no school. So, as soon as I did my GCSEs, I got signed by Warwickshire at 15.
I have been up and down the batting order and it's difficult. People don't always realise that.
I was so fortunate to play my club cricket at Moseley Ashfield. We had loads of Asians, white players, black players. You grow up from that knowing it just doesn't matter what religion or culture people are into, everyone is different.
Respect is having respect for the people you play with and against, and respect for the shirt. Unity is about sticking together but also uniting the country. That was always the bigger cause for us, not just the cricket.
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.
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.
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'm 32 now. I'm getting old. It's gone in the blink of an eye. But I won't even look back at the number of caps when I'm done: the most important thing will be remembering all the fun I've had with the guys in the dressing room and the friends I've made.
From nine, I started playing cricket. From 11, I knew this is what I'm doing.
I needed to step back from cricket, international cricket in particular, to get away from the scrutiny and intensity. I love it but it was too much for me.
You do your best but I think I'm going to try and get back in as a batsman first, spinner second.
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.
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.
I needed to step back from cricket, international cricket in particular, just to get away from the scrutiny and intensity of everything. I love it but it was too much for me.
In an ideal world, you knock the runs off and win the game.
In tournament cricket, with a new opponent each game, I think you actually need to play to your own strengths more.
The moment we won the World Cup is one I will never forget and would do anything just to experience again. It was the most euphoric sporting sensation you could possibly imagine.
Look at a player like Divock Origi. No one was talking about the guy and then suddenly he becomes a hero.
