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Medium-pacer Sajid Mahmood is relishing the chance of playing against a side that he idolised as a kid — Pakistan.

“I used to be a big fan of Pakistan till I was eight or nine and it would be really exciting to play against them in this Test match,” Sajid said here at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

A Briton of Pakistani descent Sajid would only get the chance to play in the second Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford because of the absence due to injury of England captain Andrew Flintoff and medium-pacer Liam Plunkett.

While Flintoff also missed the first Test against Pakistan at Lord’s because of an ankle injury, Plunkett was forced out of the Old Trafford match after sustaining a side strain injury while playing a game for Durham. He played in the first Test at Lord’s.

“It would feel great to play on my home ground,” said Sajid who plays for Lancashire.

He pointed out that the Old Trafford wicket would be quick and bouncy and added that England have the firepower to bowl out Pakistan twice in the match.

Sajid, who parents moved to Britain from Pakistan in the seventies, said that he is a fan of Pakistani speedster Shoaib Akhtar. “It’s really fun to watch Shoaib Akhtar, his run up and his speed. He is really exciting when in action.”

Sajid would be a part of an England pace attack that is spearheaded by Steve Harmison and also includes Matthew Hoggard.

Source:The News