Saqib Mahmood could step into Stuart Broad’s shoes: Michael Atherton

Former England cricketer Michael Atherton believes that young pacer Saqib Mahmood could be a potential replacement for Stuart Broad. Mahmood has been very impressive in the ongoing series against Pakistan. The cricketer has managed to pick up six wickets in two matches. He was included in the squad after seven members of the main England team contracted COVID-19 before the start of the series.

The 24-year-old has been among the young players who have been groomed by the England and Wales Cricket Board. He has also been given chances to perform at the international level as well. Saqib’s brilliant performances against Pakistan have given a lot of confidence to the selection committee.

Saqib Mahmood looks like a bowler who can challenge across formats: Michael Atherton

Michael Atherton believes that the young Lancashire pacer can be of great advantage for the England team. He feels that the youngster should be added to the England squad that will play the Test series against India and also the Ashes in Australia later this year.

In the first ODI match, Saqib Mahmood dismantled Pakistan’s batting. The visitors ended up scoring only 141 runs. Saqib ended the game with figures of 4 for 42. In the second encounter, he was once again brilliant with the ball. He picked up two wickets and gave away just 21 runs in eight overs. The youngster helped the hosts seal the series 2-0. The third and final One Day International between England and Pakistan will be played on Tuesday, 13 July. After the conclusion of the ODI series, the two sides will then lock horns in a three-match T20I series between July 16th and 20th.

Mahmood played only 22 first-class matches. In those, the 24-year-old has claimed 65 wickets at an average of 26.30. He has also featured in 33 List A and 38 T20 games, scalping 61 and 50 wickets, respectively. For England, Saqib Mahmood has so far played only six ODIs and six T20Is, with 11 and three wickets, respectively.

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