Mahmood making strides

Sajid Mahmood bowls Travis Birt in England's opening tour game last week © Getty Images

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Sajid Mahmood may have reached the top of the game by taking part in an Ashes tour - but he insists he still has a long way to go before he masters his art.

Mahmood’s rise from supermarket shelf-stacker to England Test bowler has been nothing if not rapid, and he admits he is living his dream on the current trip down under.

However, he struggled in the opening tour match against a Prime Minister’s XI, conceding 97 runs from nine overs, and coach Duncan Fletcher has hinted that Mahmood will not feature in the first Test in Brisbane, which starts next week.

James Anderson is expected to win the battle for the fourth seamer’s spot due to his greater consistency, and Mahmood acknowledges there are many areas of his game in need of improvement.

“I know I’m nowhere near the finished article,” he told ecb.co.uk.

Mahmood possesses arguably the most natural action in the England attack © Getty Images

“It’s the pinnacle of any player’s career, to play in an Ashes series in Australia - it’s every little boy’s dream.

“But I’ve got lots of things to work on, so this tour is going to be a massive learning curve for me.

“I’ve got the pace, but there are other things you need - bowling plans, better accuracy, batting and fielding.

“You’re not just a bowler - you’re a three-dimensional cricketer these days - and you always need to improve your game. Hopefully I can do that while I’m out here.”

Mahmood’s talent - he possesses a beautifully rhythmic action and is capable of topping 90mph as well as reverse swinging the old ball - has earned praise from the Australian camp.

But he insists there is much more to come, especially in terms of pace.

“I can definitely bowl quicker,” he added. “When I bowl there’s usually a little bit extra in there.

“For me, it’s all about being relaxed and getting into a rhythm, and if I can do that I know I can get faster.

“It’s also a lot to do with fitness and the strength side of things and, with (fast bowling coach) Kevin Shine, I can only learn and get better.”