England’s white-ball overhaul under Brendon McCullum is set to begin, with the team now having a full squad of fast bowlers. Saqib Mahmood has been granted his visa just in time to join the squad for their tour of India, which departs on Friday evening.
Mahmood had been unable to attend the training camp in Abu Dhabi this past week due to delays in receiving his paperwork. This visa issue came as England prepared for their eight-match white-ball series in India, starting on Wednesday. The tour also marks the start of McCullum’s expanded role as head coach and is seen as a warm-up for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The delay was reportedly related to Mahmood’s Pakistani heritage, compounded by ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan. His visa hold-up had the potential to echo the situation from last January when Shoaib Bashir missed England’s first Test in Hyderabad. However, with Mahmood’s passport now in hand, the 27-year-old will be joining the squad for the tour.
This isn’t the first time Mahmood has faced visa challenges. In 2019, he missed the England Lions tour to India due to similar delays, and last year, when Lancashire toured India, Mahmood stayed home in anticipation of more issues. In contrast, Rehan Ahmed and Adil Rashid, who share similar backgrounds, received their visas without delay.
The tour begins in Kolkata with the first of three T20 internationals, but the focus will be on the five-match one-day international series that follows. This series is crucial for preparations for the Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan in February and March.
Pace bowlers are a central part of England’s strategy. Mahmood joins four other frontline fast bowlers in the squad: Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, and Brydon Carse. All five have worked with England’s bowling consultant, Jimmy Anderson, during their training in Abu Dhabi.
The team has also prioritized pace for the all-rounder role, with Jamie Overton selected over Sam Curran, who bowls from a left-arm angle. Overton is expected to join the squad after playing in the Big Bash League in Australia.
With Reece Topley and Chris Woakes not selected, this marks a change in direction for England under McCullum. The team is now focusing more on fast bowlers who can bowl at speeds above 84 mph in one-day internationals. This new approach is part of the “Pace Project” initiated by team director Rob Key last year.
As the tour unfolds, it will also provide an opportunity for Jos Buttler to reaffirm his leadership following disappointing performances in the 2023 World Cup and last year’s T20 World Cup. The ODI series will also see Joe Root return to the squad for the first time since the team’s failed title defences. Additionally, Jamie Smith, the first-choice Test wicketkeeper, will join the team after taking paternity leave.
