Saqib Mahmood has been unable to attend an England training camp in Abu Dhabi ahead of their white-ball series in India due to a delay in securing his visa. While the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) remains confident that the issue will be resolved before the rest of the squad travels to Kolkata on […]
Saqib Mahmood has been unable to attend an England training camp in Abu Dhabi ahead of their white-ball series in India due to a delay in securing his visa. While the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) remains confident that the issue will be resolved before the rest of the squad travels to Kolkata on Friday for the first T20I on Wednesday, this delay is not a new challenge for players with Pakistani heritage.
In the past, similar visa issues have impacted England players, such as Shoaib Bashir, who was ruled out of England’s first Test in Hyderabad last year due to a visa delay. Mahmood himself has faced similar setbacks before, as six years ago he was replaced in an England Lions squad touring India because of visa complications. He had even chosen not to apply for a visa ahead of Lancashire’s pre-season tour last year, anticipating further delays.
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The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) declined to comment but is optimistic that Saqib Mahmood will secure his visa in time to board the team’s flight. Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed, the other two players in England’s T20I squad with Pakistani heritage, have already received their visas. Mahmood was set to join the pace-bowling camp in Abu Dhabi, which was being overseen by James Anderson. However, due to the visa process, Mahmood had to surrender his passport, preventing him from traveling.
Mahmood, 27, has played 29 games for England across formats, but his career progress was hindered by lower-back stress fractures after his Test debut in 2022. He recently reminded selectors of his talent with a match-winning performance in the 2024 Hundred final and was named player of the series during England’s T20Is in the Caribbean in November.
Sam Cook delivered a standout performance on the opening day of the England Lions’ tour match in Brisbane, claiming four crucial wickets to leave Cricket Australia XI reeling. The 27-year-old seamer’s impressive spell reduced the hosts to a mere 18 for 4, showcasing his ability to make an impact on Australian soil. His efforts, including three wickets caught behind the wicket, supported by a disciplined field setting with four slips, were a testament to his sharp skills. Cook’s performance was a reminder of his impressive record in the Rothesay County Championship, where he has accumulated over 300 first-class wickets at an average below 20.
England’s bowling attack, including Sonny Baker, who claimed three wickets, and spinner Shoaib Bashir, who took a sharp return catch, restricted Cricket Australia XI to 176 for 9 by the end of the day. Despite this dominant bowling display, the hosts were rescued by a remarkable unbeaten century from Lachlan Hearne, who struck 106 not out from just 62 balls. Hearne’s aggressive knock prevented a complete collapse, ensuring his side remained competitive despite the early setbacks.
England Lions’ captain Alex Davies had earlier led from the front, scoring a quick-fire 50 in just 57 balls. His half-century, which featured four sixes, included a memorable shot over midwicket off spinner Corey Rocchiccioli. Davies’ leadership at the top of the order was a bright spot in the Lions’ innings, which ended at 223. Teenagers Freddie McCann (30) and Hamza Shaikh (34) also chipped in with valuable contributions, helping to steady the innings after early setbacks.
Cook’s impressive opening spell, combined with Hearne’s defiant century, set the stage for an intriguing contest as the England Lions looked to capitalize on their strong start and maintain momentum in the match.
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