Essex sign Sajid Mahmood

Tuesday, November 20, 2012
4:24 PM

Essex Cricket have announced the signing of fast bowler Sajid Mahmood on a two-year contract.

Mahmood, 30, joins the club after being released from Lancashire where he made his debut in 2002 and took 323 wickets in his first-class career. Those included 10-wicket match hauls on two occasions (10-140 v Worcestershire in 2009 and 10-186 v Nottinghamshire in 2011) while he has also taken five wickets or more in an innings nine times.

He has proved a useful lower order batsman scoring more than 2,000 first class runs with nine half-centuries including a highest score of 90.

Mahmood was also a member of Lancashire’s successful title winning Championship squad in 2011 taking 35 wickets.

The paceman was born in Bolton, winning eight Test caps for England between 2006 and 2007, making a stunning debut against Sri Lanka at Lord’s when he took three wickets in nine deliveries.

He has also played in 26 one-day internationals spanning 2004 and 2009 including the 2007 World Cup and four Twenty20 Internationals.

Mahmood said: “I am delighted to be joining Essex. Playing at Lancashire was a great experience for me and I thank them for all they did for my cricket.

“I see this move as a new beginning and can’t wait to get started. Paul Grayson has been brilliant throughout the recruitment process and I appreciate the faith he’s shown in me.”

Essex head coach, Paul Grayson said: “I’m really pleased Saj has joined the club. I like cricketers who feel that they have point to prove to people and he has lots of ability, he’s experienced and he’s a fit guy who can bowl with good pace as well so we feel Saj will be a real addition to the squad.”