SOMERSET have signed pace bowler Saj Mahmood on loan from Lancashire.

The 30-year-old has been recruited to patch up a depleted attack and will go straight into the side for tomorrow's (August 21) LV County Championship clash with Sussex at Taunton.

Speaking after the capture, director of cricket Brian Rose said: "We have signed Saj because of the experience he can provide at a time when we are short on troops.

“I noticed that he was not being picked by Lancashire and as we do not play them between now and the end of the season the move was attractive to all parties.

Mahmood has played eight Test matches and 26 one-day internationals for England.

Rose added: "It might well prove a timely boost to Saj and bring the best out of him. He is a proven quality performer, who can help us at a time when injuries have hit us hard.

"We hope to have a strong bowling attack, including Saj Mahmood, in action against Sussex because it is a massive game for us.

“Gemaal’s injury was not serious and he should be okay, Nick Compton has seen a specialist in London and had injections in his back, which hopefully will mean he is fit too.

“Alfonso should be fit for Finals Day, but you can’t take any risks with hamstrings so he probably won’t play for the first team before then.

“It’s fair to say the Sussex game is must-win. They have emerged as strong title contenders with some impressive performances in the Championship recently and we need to peg them back, along with Warwickshire.

“A victory would put us right in the thick of the title race, so let’s hope the weather stays fine and allows the match to run its full course.”