England ‘set to raid Big Bash’ for Ashes reinforcements with Mahmood on standby

12/21/2021

England are reportedly considering calling up several players into their Ashes squad from the Big Bash League.

There are a huge number of English players currently featuring in Australia 's T20 franchise tournament and England could look to add some to their Test set-up ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

The England Lions did join the senior squad on tour but, following their defeat to Australia A earlier this month, they are already back in England.

However, there are plenty of players with international experience involved in the Big Bash and, according to a report from The Cricketer, some players have been contacted by England management about the prospect of a call-up.

The report states that Lancashire quick Saqib Mahmood, who is yet to make his Test debut but was part of the squad during the recent India series, is currently on standby for the third Test.

Mahmood featured for the Lions against Australia A, before linking up with the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash.

On debut, Mahmood took a stunning 4-22 and was named player of the match in their win over the Brisbane Heat.

In a potential indication that Mahmood could be leaving them to join up with England, the Thunder announced on Monday that they had signed Pakistan quick Muhammad Hasnain for the remainder of the tournament.

The report also notes that batters James Vince and Ben Duckett, who have both played Test cricket before, are also in the frame, along with wicketkeeper Sam Billings.

However, Mahmood is said to be the 'most likely to be called up' and he would offer some support for Mark Wood, who is England's only express pace bowler at the moment.

Ahead of the series, former England bowler Darren Gough told Mirror Sport that he was "disappointed" that Mahmood was not selected in the initial Ashes squad and that he felt the 24-year-old was well-suited to bowling in Australian conditions.

Speaking on behalf of Booking.com, Gough said: "I was disappointed Saqib Mahmood didn't get selected, I think he would have offered something different.

"He bowls a fuller length, has a go-to yorker and can bowl a good bouncer and you only have to look at my record in Australia to see how that can work.

"I've worked a lot with him and he's talked a lot about me working with him."

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