Saqib Mahmood eyes return for England’s World Cup defence in October… with the pace bowler set for a crucial scan after suffering second stress fracture in his back in a year

Saqib Mahmood still hopes he will be fit enough in time to return for England’s World Cup title defence in October.

Mahmood suffered a stress fracture in his back in June which ruled him out of the domestic and international summer.

It is the same injury he suffered just two months after his impressive Test debut against the West Indies, which kept the Lancashire quick sidelined for much of the 2022 season.

Mahmood will undergo a scan on his back tomorrow and if that returns clear then he is in no doubt over his timeline for recovery.

‘I’d want to be back playing in time for the World Cup,’ said Mahmood. ‘If it doesn’t come back clear then I would look to take a little bit longer with my recovery.

Saqib Mahmood impressed in the West Indies last year but has struggled with injuries since

Mahmood is still determined to return in time for the Cricket World Cup later this year

‘It [the World Cup] is a big occasion… they only come around every four years and we’re defending champions. I’ve had a lot of success in that format for Lancashire and England so hopefully I will get good news from my scan.

‘I have been working as hard as I can to try and be in position to get picked for the World Cup.’

Mahmood burst onto the international scene in the Caribbean, claiming six wickets at an average of 22.83 in two Tests and bowling with real pace.

Injury has robbed him of an opportunity to play under coach Brendon McCullum, something Mahmood says he found difficult to accept at first

‘It was hard,’ Mahmood admits. ‘This year I’ve watched the Ashes as a fan and I think being out the game for so long you know you’re not part of the squad or in the mix.

‘We know how sensitive stress fractures can be so there is a lot of learning from my side in terms of how they work. I’ve started going about it differently with my rehab so hopefully this time it does the trick.’

Mahmood has set his sights on returning to the Test arena to play under Brendon McCullum

Mahmood was speaking at the launch of KP Snacks community cricket pitches initiative which will fund 100 new pitches over the next three years.

He says investment into grassroots facilities is crucial to provide opportunities for the next generation to play the sport.

‘I went to a state school so I had a lot of support from my clubs,’ Mahmood explains. ‘But even before getting into a club environment I was playing in parks.

‘Hopefully better facilities are the way into cricket for them so they can enjoy playing. If it keeps them out of trouble at the same time, who knows where it can progress from there.’

KP Snacks are funding 100 new community cricket pitches over the next three years. To find out more and search for a pitch visit: www.everyonein.co.uk/pitchfinder