Mahmood has played 25 one-day internationals for England

Lancashire bowler Sajid Mahmood says he is more mature than when he last played for England two years ago.

Mahmood, 27, is back in the England squad for the one-day series in South Africa after a prolonged spell in the international wilderness.

He told BBC Radio Manchester: "When I was younger I obviously took it for granted as I got into the England side pretty quickly.

"Being dropped made me realise how much I wanted to play for England."

He added: "I've been away for two years and I've worked really hard to get back into that England side. Now I've got into the one-day side hopefully I can do well there and lead towards a Test call-up."

Mahmood's last England appearance was also against South Africa, during the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean and he knows they are formidable opponents.

"They're up there, number one or two in the world at the moment. To go out there and play them in their own backyard is going to be a massive challenge, but I think it's a challenge I'm going to enjoy," he said.

"When I first started my career I went and played Test cricket in Australia. At such an early stage in my career, that was tough but a good learning experience."

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