Saqib Mahmood still has Test ambition despite signing white-ball Lancashire deal
The 27-year-old has been suffering from back injuries.
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Saqib Mahmood insists he still wants to play Test cricket again for England despite signing a new white-ball contract with Lancashire.
The 27-year-old fast bowler, who played two Tests for England in 2022, has been hit by serious back injuries over the last two seasons which have limited his participation for county and country.
Mahmood returned to the England fold by playing two T20s against Australia last month.
His new white-ball Red Rose deal, which runs until 2027, is aimed at increasing his availability for the Vitality Blast but includes the option to play County Championship cricket subject to fitness and availability around global franchise commitments.
“I am delighted to commit my future to Lancashire in the Vitality Blast for at least the next three seasons,” Mahmood said.
“2022 and 2023 were both difficult years for me injury-wise but it was brilliant to get through this summer fully fit. I’d like to thank the medical team at Lancashire for their hard work throughout this period and having their continued support was a key factor in signing this new contract.
“While this is a white-ball contract, I still have an ambition to play red-ball cricket for England again and for Lancashire in the County Championship, which is still the biggest test of skill and fitness outside of Test match cricket, and there are options within this contract for that to happen.”
Mahmood is in England’s squad for their white-ball tour of the West Indies which begins in Antigua on October 31.