Ashes still on Mahmood's mind
9:40am Wednesday 24th June 2009 in Sport
SAJID Mahmood has still not given up hope of forcing his way into England’s Ashes squad.
The Lancashire bowler, pictured, admitted he was disappointed not to be named in England’s 16-man training squad earlier this week, but was presented with second prize when his name was penned into the Lions team to face Australia at Worcester next week.
“I was disappointed because I did think I had a chance of making the the full squad,” said the former Smithills school pupil. “But it’s always good to know that the selectors have still got you in their minds.”
“There are a few bowlers who have done well. Graham Onions has bowled brilliantly so far this year, and Steven Harmison bowled well against us last week.”
Mahmood will line up alongside Onions, Harmison and Tim Bresnan at New Road next Wednesday, providing the 27-year-old with his last chance to stake a claim for the First Test at Cardiff on July 8.
The three bowlers mentioned, amongst others, are all ahead of the ex-Bolton League man in the pecking order, but stranger things have happened.
Mahmood added: “Hopefully I can go down there and bowl well. The ball always does a bit at Worcester, it tends to seam around a bit. If I can take wickets and impress the selectors then hopefully I will get a game in the Ashes.
“It is going to be challenging because there is a lot of competition for places.”
Not only has Mahmood got something to prove to the likes of Geoff Miller and Andy Flower, but he has also got a point to prove to the Aussies.
He underperformed during the 5-0 whitewash down under in 2006-07, and was singled out as a weak link by Ricky Ponting and company.
“We didn’t do too well when we were there, but I enjoyed getting the experience of playing against the number one team in their own backyard. I learned a lot from that,” he said.
“We will be looking to beat them. I look to beat every opposition I play against, whether it is Australia, Durham, whoever. I am sure all the boys in the Lions team will be looking to prove a point. Playing Australia is always quite spicy.”
Earlier this season Mahmood, who will line up for Lancashire in the Twenty20 Cup North Division fixture against Derbyshire tomorrow night (7.10pm), recorded career best match figures of 10-140 against Worcestershire in the County Championship at New Road.
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