Western Australia sign Mahmood for Big Bash

Sajid Mahmood, the former England fast bowler, has replaced Kemar Roach as one of Western Australia's overseas players for the Twenty20 Big Bash. Roach had to pull out due to his West Indies commitments, forcing the Warriors to find another strike bowler for the tournament starting in late December.

"I believe we have a very competent replacement," the state coach Mickey Arthur said. "He is a genuine strike bowler who will shake up opposition batsmen, he is a capable batter himself who hits the ball a long way, and he is also great in the field, so he offers us the complete package."

Mahmood, 28, has played eight Tests, 26 ODIs and four Twenty20 internationals, but he last represented England in 2009. Western Australia are still waiting for final approval from the West Indies board to have Chris Gayle, the former captain, back for his second season.