Mahmood 'felt ignored' by England

Mahmood made his England Test debut against Sri Lanka in May

England pace bowler Sajid Mahmood has made public his disappointment on the way he was utilised during the third Ashes Test against Australia in Perth.

Mahmood, 24, was only asked to bowl 17 overs on his Ashes debut as Australia secured a series-clinching victory.

"At times during their second innings I began to question what I was doing on the pitch," he told the Guardian.

"I'm sure Freddie [Flintoff] had his reasons for keeping me out for long periods, but I was surprised."

The Lancashire paceman bowled 10 overs for 59 runs in the second innings as Australia reached 527-5 before declaring.

"I had to wonder whether I had been selected as a bowler," Mahmood said.

"I felt a little bit ignored at times, especially after my first two overs in the second innings when I didn't get another go until about the 70th over.

"Freddie has not spoken to me yet about why he did what he did, but I would like to stress that Freddie and I definitely get on."

I'll just be disappointed if I get dropped without getting the chance to show what I can do Sajid Mahmood

Mahmood hopes he can prove his worth in the fourth Test in Melbourne, which starts on Boxing Day.

"In those sort of situations you've just got to be ready, so that when you do get thrown the ball you can do your job," he said.

"It didn't do anything to my confidence, because I'm pretty confident anyway.

"It was more that I wanted to be involved in the game so much, and when you're not getting the ball thrown to you, you get a little bit disappointed.

"I'll just be disappointed if I get dropped without getting the chance to show what I can do."