Mahmood Thunders in

SYDNEY Thunder coach Trevor Bayliss has tapped into his English knowledge again and signed rising English star Saqib Mahmood for this year’s Big Bash.

Mahmood, 24, can hit speeds around the 145km/h mark, but his availability could depend on whether England selectors call him up for the Ashes, having been close to a Test debut against India at Old Trafford earlier this month before suffering a side strain.

Bayliss now has three Englishmen in his squad, with Mahmood joining batsmen Alex Hales and Sam Billings.