SAJID MAHMOOD is hoping a stack of wickets at Aigburth this week will fire him into contention for the Ashes.

The Lancashire seamer was left kicking his heels yesterday after the opening day of their County Championship clash with Hampshire was rained off without a ball being bowled.

However, Mahmood is set to return this morning, determined to make up for lost time and maintain the fine form he has shown in recent weeks.

The 27-year-old claimed career best figures of 6-30 at Durham last week and he has a great record at Aigburth.

He took 5-52 against Sussex in 2006 and followed that up with 5-16 against Sri Lanka A in 2007.

Mahmood hasn’t played Test cricket for England since the defeat at Sydney during the last Ashes series in January 2007.

He had to settle for a place in the England Lions squad earlier this summer but Mahmood, who has played eight Tests and 25 one-day internationals, has his sights set on a return to the senior set-up.

“It’s good to be back in Liverpool and this is one of my favourite grounds,” he said.

“I’ve got a few wickets here in the past and I enjoy bowling on the bouncy tracks here. The last few times I’ve played here we’ve had some big crowds in and the people support us really well.

“I got my first five-wicket haul here which was a big moment for me so hopefully I can perform well over the next few days.

“All I’m concentrating on at the moment is playing well for Lancs.

“I feel in really good rhythm so hopefully if I can carry on with that it could put me in some sort of contention for the Ashes.

“But right now I’m playing for Lancashire so that is what I’m 100% focused on.”

Meanwhile, coach Peter Moores has revealed that a decision has yet to be taken on whether Andrew Flintoff will feature in next Monday’s Twenty20 Cup showdown with Leicestershire at Aigburth.

The England all-rounder is playing in the Championship match with Hampshire as he continues his comeback following knee surgery.

“There will be a bit of negotiation with England after the four-day game has finished,” Moores said.

“I know Andrew is keen to play competitive cricket but we will see where we are at the end of this game. Hopefully there will have been no hiccups and everything is fine.”

Moores is backing his three-pronged pace attack of Flintoff, Mahmood and skipper Glen Chapple to wreak havoc at Aigburth.

“The wicket has certainly got pace which suits us,” he said.

“Saj bowled really well last week with some 90mph plus deliveries.

“Chappy has bowled well all year and I think you’ll see Andrew up the ante this week.

“He bowled well at Durham but he will feel fitter and stronger now. He has come through it really well and the knee seems fine,

“This week is another step forward for him.”