Saj ready for second chance

Fast bowler back in England fold after two-and-a-half year absence

Last updated: 3rd November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Saj ready for second chance

Mahmood: England recall

I've been working really hard in those two years, trying to put things right and everything's worked out pretty well for Lancashire. So I'm really looking forward to getting on with it.

Sajid Mahmood
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Lancashire paceman Sajid Mahmood is confident of making a successful international comeback on England's tour of South Africa.

Mahmood took 29 wickets in 25 one-day internationals before being discarded after England's disappointing performance at the 2007 World Cup.

The 27-year-old has since worked hard in county cricket to improve his consistency and has been rewarded for an impressive domestic campaign in 2009 with a place in England's T20 and one-day international squads to face the Proteas.

"I think the main reason I got dropped from the international side was consistency - a lot of up and downs," he said.

"I've now had over two years out of the (international) game, playing county cricket and away from the spotlight if you like.

"I could reflect on what I did and where I needed to be. The massive thing was consistency, so I've gone back and worked on hitting certain areas with my bowling and trying to perform a lot more consistent and just doing stuff on a regular basis.

Improvement

"That's the main things I've worked on and it's sort of shown over the last couple of years that improvement.

"So hopefully I can carry on working on that and get better at it.

"I've been waiting for over two years now and to get the call-up for the tour was fantastic.

"I've been working really hard in those two years, trying to put things right and everything's worked out pretty well for Lancashire. So I'm really looking forward to getting on with it."

Meanwhile, Graeme Swann survived a minor injury scare during Tuesday's practice session after an elastic resistance band came loose and struck him on his right forearm.

After being patched up he resumed the session, going on to bowl and then bat as England prepared for their opening warm-up game against the Diamond Eagles in Bloemfontein on Friday.

Twenty20 Series Outright Win Outright: England 4/1

Comments (2)

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Al Preston says...

It's good to see Saj given a second chance. I always felt that he had something special to offer and his attitude is spot on. If he can get it together, he could cause the S.A's some problems because we all know they don't like facing quick bowlers. O.K. when they are dealing it out but not so hot when on the receiving end.(See Kallis v. Flintoff last year). It would be good to see a bit of running for cover. So stick it up them, Saj and the very best of luck for the future. That goes for the rest of the lads as well. Oh! and whilst I'm at it regarding the S.A. players in the England set-up. I would rather see an all British team but at least it shows that players get a fair deal in this country and aren't picked by politicians which has always been the case in South Africa pre and post aparteid!!!

Posted 09:19 4th November 2009

Craig Ryan says...

Glad Saj is back in the set up, better bowler then Sidebottom. Should be in the test reckoning as well.

Posted 00:15 4th November 2009
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