Mahmood aiming to reach top

Sajid Mahmood celebrates taking a wicket © Getty Images

England bowler Sajid Mahmood admits he is still coming to terms with his meteoric rise into the Ashes squad.

When Michael Vaughan’s side reclaimed the famous urn at the Brit Oval last year Mahmood was playing for Lancashire's second XI in Liverpool.

Now the promising paceman finds himself part of the bowling attack as the team aims to defend the Ashes Down Under.

It has been a whirlwind year for the 24-year-old and even he is struggling to take it all in.

"I was playing second-team cricket back then (when the Ashes was won) so my aim for the season just gone was to establish myself in the first team for Lancashire," he said.

"So to play five Test matches for England and 10 or so one-dayers made me think ‘Whoa, what's going on?’"

"But there was a lot of hard work put in during the winter. My form's been a little bit up and down but I've been working a lot with the coaches, especially when I've had time off and been back with my county.

“I've improved quite a bit so I'm pretty happy with how things have gone this year."

Sajid Mahmood © Getty Images

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Although Mahmood made his one-day international debut in July 2004 he drifted back into second-team cricket when a loss of form and confidence coincided with other bowlers returning from injury at Old Trafford.

Mahmood recovered, though, and was rewarded for a promising start to the season with his Test debut against Sri Lanka at Lord's in May.

The Bolton-born fast bowler announced his arrival in Test cricket with three wickets for no runs in a blistering opening spell.

But then came the biggest challenge of his blossoming career in the third Test against Pakistan at Headingley.

Mahmood's father emigrated to England from Pakistan and during the match Mahmood was targeted by members of Leeds' Pakistani community.

However, he shrugged off the cries of ‘traitor’ to finish with six wickets for the match and figures of four for 22 in the second innings.

With Mahmood's next challenge taking on the Australians on home soil, he feels that episode was an invaluable experience.

Sajid Mahmood and Glenn McGrath indulge in banter

"There was always a little bit of banter going on with the crowd but I'm pretty happy with how I came through that," he said.

"I've heard a lot about the Aussie crowds out here and hopefully I can deal with it the same way as I did at Headingley."

The England team arrived in Sydney on Sunday to prepare for their defence of the Ashes, which they reclaimed in thrilling fashion last year after an 18-year wait.

Having broken Australia's grip on the series the return has been billed as one of the most highly-anticipated Ashes series for many years.

"We've got to make sure we don't lose our concentration and get caught up in the hype of the series," said Mahmood.

"All the boys are going to be really up for it, especially after what happened last year, it was a tremendous series."

"We're all looking forward to it and hoping to do well for our country. We'd love to keep the Ashes, and personally, I'm hoping to do well and get some good wickets under my belt."