England's 30 man shortlist for the World T20 was announced today, and surprisingly Sajid Mahmood was included.
Mahmood has had more chances for England than a cat has lives and other than a few fleeting glimpses of success in his first few outings against Sri Lanka and Pakistan, he has been a huge disappointment.
Anyone who witnessed the two T20I matches against South Africa in November will gasp with incredulity when they see Mahmood's name amongst the lucky 30. Mahmood's figures over the two games were 2/92 from seven overs with no maidens. Hardly a ringing endorsement for selection, is it?
It is time the England selectors faced facts. Mahmood is not quick enough to trouble international batsmen a la Shaun Tait or Dirk Nannes. Nor is he accurate enough to restrict the scoring rate especially in T20 cricket. And what should be the final nail in his selection coffin is his propensity to bowl no balls and wides - a cardinal sin in T20 cricket.
Sorry Saj, you can count yourself very lucky to be in the 30 - even more so when you take into account your dismal performance for the Lions this winter.
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