Mahmood aims for Ashes

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

Lancashire paceman Mahmood, 27, has been on the international sidelines for two years but begins his bid for recognition once more by fronting MCC's pace attack for the first-class season curtain raiser against Durham, which begins at Lord's on Thursday.

"It is good to be picked in these sort of games," said Mahmood. "There are always a few selectors hanging around and to play against the county champions in front of them is the chance to put myself in good stead for any sort of call-up."

He added: "All I need to do now is have a really good start with Lancashire.

"I need to take a lot of wickets, and I don't think that I am too far away.

"My pace is there and the consistency is getting better all the time.

"I am a lot more streetwise and stronger both mentally and physically.

"When I was a bit younger it was literally 'go out and bowl', there was nothing else to it. I have matured a lot as a cricketer as a whole.

"The Ashes might just be around the corner but I am not too far away from it.

"I think everyone will see a slightly different me, someone who can hit an area consistently. I have been working pretty hard on it, and I will be pretty disappointed if I can't do it this year."