LANCASHIRE star Mal Loye has urged England's selectors to stand by his team-mate, Sajid Mahmood, after his nightmare against Australia.

The Bolton pace ace took a disappointing 0-60 in just over nine overs against the Aussies in a seven-wicket defeat which leaves England's semi-final hopes hanging by a thread heading into their next game against Bangladesh.

But Loye, who was left behind by his country for the World Cup, believes Mahmood has got the right mental qualities to bounce back from his disappointment in Antigua.

"He is a quiet lad who keeps himself to himself. He's a raw talent and a fantastic athlete but it is all about that word, consistency," Loye said.

"Anyone who bowls at 90 miles an hour is a weapon and Saj has got that slower ball as well.

"He will come come back from this, no doubt about it. I just hope the selectors stick with him."

Ian Bell and centurion Kevin Pietersen aside, England's batting line-up failed to fire once again, with Michael Vaughan, Andrew Strauss, Paul Collingwood and Andrew Flintoff all sent packing with single figures.

But with the door to the semis still slightly ajar following South Africa's shock defeat against Bangladesh - Loye said it is time for Flintoff and company to follow Pietersen's lead.

"Kevin is happy with his form and scoring runs, but the worrying thing for me is that when he fails - who will fill in and score?" Loye said.

"It has got be Michael Vaughan or Andrew Strauss. It has got be going through the whole batting order really.

"Freddie is a bit like Michael Vaughan. When you are out of form, you do some silly things.

"England have got a great chance against Bangladesh who are one of the minnows. It is a good opportunity for some of the players who are off-form.

"I'd hope that Freddie isn't needed against Bangladesh, but if he does, it will be a great chance to show his natural game."