Saqib Mahmood could step into Stuart Broad shoes in future:  Michael Atherton

Former England skipper Michael Atherton is highly impressed with the performance of Saqib Mahmood in the ongoing series against Pakistan where the host has defeated later by 2-0 in a three-match ODI series.

The right-arm fast bowler has clinched six wickets in two matches and will be looking to repeat the same feat in the final ODI against Pakistan.

Atherton said that Mahmood is certainly one of the most exciting prospects who has been groomed by the England and Wales Cricket Board(ECB) and with the limited opportunity that he has received he has performed superbly in those matches.  He also added that Mahmood has the ability to step into the shoes of Stuart Broad shoes in the future.

“He looks like a bowler who can challenge across formats, thinking ahead to the India and Australia Test matches coming up,” Atherton said of Mahmood and was quoted by Sky Sports.

“I’m not wishing Broad away at all, he’s one of England’s all-time greats, but Mahmood looks like the type of bowler who could step into Broad’s shoes. He offers accuracy, seam movement, and a bit of skill with the old ball when it reverses. He is improving, for sure,” Atherton concluded. 

So far for England Mahmood has played only six ODIs and six T20 International with 11 scalps and three scalps respectively.