Lloyd tips Lancashire bowlers to make big impact

5:38pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

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LANCASHIRE legend David Lloyd has tipped the Red Rose bowlers to make a big impact on the England set-up.

The Sky Sports pundit, known as Bumble, has backed Andrew Flintoff and James Anderson to feature in the Test team against New Zealand later this month.

And he believes almost forgotten man Sajid Mahmood can also fight his way back into the England frame in the future.

Lancashire all-rounder Flintoff claimed 2-13 from his five overs in a Friends Provident Trophy match reduced to 23 overs a side at Old Trafford on Sunday, which helped restrict holders Durham to 151-7.

His contribution, in only his fourth match of the season following a fourth operation on his troublesome left ankle during the winter, was crucial as Lancashire sealed a dramatic five-wicket win with Steven Croft hitting a six off the last ball to seal the triumph.

And Lloyd had no fears that he would be included in the England squad to be announced on Saturday.

He said: "He's bowling as well as he always has done, that takes care of itself. It's so simple to him.

"It'll take time to get into form with the bat, but if he's fit and bowling, then I think he walks into the England team.

"I would think Lancashire will have Flintoff for a little while, but if he continues to bowl well then he'll have no trouble getting into the England Test team."

Ironically, it is Flintoff's possible inclusion in a four-man bowling attack that could force Red Rose team-mate Anderson out of the team for the opening Test at Lord's next week.

Former Burnley player Anderson and Matthew Hoggard looked to be fighting it out to lead the attack.

But captain Michael Vaughan also has the impressive Ryan Sidebottom, Stuart Broad and Monty Panesar among his other bowling options.

And Lloyd admitted Anderson would find it tough if he couldn't add consistency to his play.

He said: "Jimmy is in possession of a spot right now, but he's got strong competition from Matthew Hoggard.

"Hoggard has been picked for the Lions team and he's set off with an almighty bang in the County Championship.

"I think Jimmy will be under pressure. He bowled superbly well in Wellington, but then went off the boil at Napier.

"That's pretty much Jimmy."

After taking five wickets on his debut against Sri Lanka at Lord's, Mahmood has drifted away from the Test scene.

But Lloyd believed he has the potential to become an important weapon for England in the future.

He added: "I think Mahmood can come back into the England reckoning if he works on his pace and aggression.

"He's a real prospect. He might have played slightly earlier than he should have.

"He'd got good athleticism though, I'd maybe just like to see him get a bit more niggly."