Sajid Mahmood signing boosts Essex pace attack

Essex have signed former England pace bowler Sajid Mahmood, who was released by Lancashire two months ago.

The 30-year-old spent a decade at Old Trafford but was only on the fringes of the squad last summer and eventually went on loan to Somerset.

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“Leaving Lancashire has possibly been a kick up the backside - I may have got into my comfort zone”

Sajid Mahmood

"I'm really excited. I've been anxious the last couple of months seeing where I was going to go," he told BBC Essex after signing a two-year deal.

"Essex have given me an opportunity to show what I can do."

Mahmood has taken 323 first-class wickets in his career at an average of 32 and over 280 in limited-overs games.

He played eight Test matches, 26 one-dayers and four Twenty20 games for England between 2006 and 2009.

He added: "I got released at Lancs, which I wasn't too happy about. I'd have liked to have played the rest of my career there but it wasn't to be.

"Leaving Lancashire has possibly been a kick up the backside - I may have got into my comfort zone.

"I've come here to show people what I can do."

Essex Head Coach Paul Grayson, who is also looking for an overseas batsman, said: "I like cricketers who feel that they have a 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."