PERFECT TIME TO THROW IN AHMED

ENGLAND have been urged to give one of the stars of the domestic summer - Rehan Ahmed - a shot against South Africa at Southampton today.

- By Neil Squires

The young all-rounder watched on from the sidelines as England went down to defeat at Headingley and Lord’s.

But with the series lost, the dead rubber offers England an opportunity to take a look into their future and Ahmed, 21, is undoubtedly part of that.

He has been in terrific form for Leicestershire and Trent Rockets this season and would help bring some fizz to an England side that has looked flat in comparison to the perky Proteas.

“I would love to see him play on Sunday. He can win you games with the bat or the ball,” said Leicestershire’s director of cricket Claude Henderson.

“We've always known what a batsman he is and he’s taken the opportunity with both hands this season.