Covid outbreak in the English camp meant that they had to name a new 18-member squad for the One-day international against Pakistan. The initial 16 men squad had to isolate themselves after 3 players and 4 members of the staff tested positive. Ben Stokes was recalled into the squad and was announced as captain. The squad was full of youngsters and had 9 uncapped players in it. In a way, it was a second-string England team that went on to whitewash Pakistan in the ODI series. Saqib Mahmood of England showcased his brilliance with the ball and was the man of the series.
Prior to the series, Ashley Giles, former England spinner and current Managing Director of ECB said that it is a great opportunity for the new blood to showcase its potential against a formidable Pakistan team. The English youngsters did step up in the absence of their key players. Saqib Mahmood the 24-year-old right-arm fast bowler was the difference between the two teams. He made sure that the English bowling is lethal as it is when the senior players are a part of the setup.
Mahmood started the series in some fashion with 4 for 42 in the first ODI at Cardiff. He helped England register a 9 wicket victory. The Lancashire pacer followed it up with two wickets at Lord’s in the second ODI. He managed to remove Babar Azam for the second time in three days to help his team win by 52 runs. The series ended on a positive note for Saqib as he picked 3 wickets in the last ODI. England won the third ODI and completed the clean sweep thanks to James Vince’s 102 and Gregory’s 77 while they chased down a mammoth total of 331 runs.
Saqib is a special talent not only because he has picked up 9 wickets in 3 matches but because he has a nice steady action, the ability to move it both ways, a bit of skill when the ball reverses and he is accurate enough to be consistent at the highest level.
Cricket expert and former England captain Mikel Atherton believes that Mahmood can be a long term replacement for Stuart Broad. The Lancashire pacer can be a successful bowler across all formats according to Artherton.
His recent performance for England has surely made him a contender for the India series. The 24-year-old has a long way ahead but the manner in which he has announced himself deserves praises from one and all.
