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Mahmood upbeat over Ashes

The paceman, 24, has proved expensive at times but impressed in the Champions Trophy defeats by India and Australia.

"I've improved as a bowler throughout the summer and I'm starting to show the improvements," Mahmood told BBC Sport.

"I've worked on consistency, there was a problem with that at the beginning of the season, and it's getting better."

Interview: England bowler Saj Mahmood

Mahmood is regarded highly by England coach Duncan Fletcher but has struggled to hold down a place since making his international debut in a one-dayer against New Zealand two years ago.

Torrid spells against India in Goa earlier this year and Sri Lanka and Pakistan at home in the summer have helped push his economy rate in ODIs to more than six runs an over.

Last year I wasn't around the squad but you had to watch every ball - it was a real thriller - and it's going to be even better in Australia

Sajid Mahmood

But he points to his impressive performance in the third Test against Pakistan at Headingley, and the way he finished the one-day series with the same team, as reward for the hard work he has been putting in.

"You have to keep working, trying to hit certain areas to different batsmen and, as you keep doing that you keep improving," the Lancashire seamer explained.

"It was a big learning curve for me coming out here to India six months ago. It didn't go too well for me but it's about the way you take the criticism.

"I've taken it well and the last couple of games I've been pretty happy with myself.

"My confidence is pretty high. My rhythm's good, my pace is good and I'm getting the ball to shape so I'm pretty happy with myself so far."

With his self-belief soaring, the tall paceman is now setting his sights on a starting place in the first of five Tests against the Australians, starting on 23 November.

"There's a lot of competition, with Jimmy Anderson coming back after injury and Liam Plunkett will be out there as well," he added.

"So it's a pretty strong seam attack but if I can keep improving and keep doing well I should be playing.

"Last year I wasn't around the squad but you had to watch every ball - it was a real thriller - and it's going to be even better in Australia.

"To actually bowl in it is an exciting prospect and I can't wait to get down there."

Source: www.read1stnews.com

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Mahmood upbeat over Ashes

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