Lancashire paceman Sajid Mahmood believes he is currently in the form of his life – and puts it down to the fact he has stopped worrying about earning an England place.
The 29-year-old last represented his country in 2009, a one-day international against South Africa, and his last Test cap came against Australia in 2007.
He has since slipped down the pecking order but what has been England's loss has certainly been Lancashire's gain with Mahmood playing a huge part in the Red Rose county's push for the championship title.
Last month he claimed his first 10-wicket match haul in victory over reigning champions Nottinghamshire and his performance against Durham last week in Liverpool drew high praise from former England skipper Paul Collingwood who got a close-up look at Mahmood’s form.
“I have to admit that previously I was very easily distracted. I wasn't concentrating,” he said.
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