Gough: Mahmood can be England star

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Twenty-five-year-old Mahmood, expected to be back playing for Lancashire later this month after a double hernia operation, has so far played eight Tests and 25 one-day internationals.

"If England need a strike bowler and (Steve) Harmison is not playing (in one-day cricket) then Sajid Mahmood is obviously the next one," said Gough.

"He needs to step up to the next level now. They probably picked him when he wasn't quite developed.

"But he's got everything; he bowls at 90mph; he has a good slower ball - and he takes wickets.

"Unfortunately at the minute, he goes for a few too many (runs). But he has all the tools you need to be a good strike bowler for England in one-day cricket."

Gough's prescription for Mahmood's rehabilitation is a return to county colours to continue his learning curve.

"He has to work hard and play a bit more domestic one-day stuff for his county," said the 36-year-old, who confirmed he too is still available for limited-overs internationals.

"When he's bowling well he's as good as anyone. But when you're just playing Test cricket and one-day internationals you don't get a chance to really learn your game ... Saj needs to do that."