Bollywood beckons for England duo

MANCHESTER: England fast bowling duo Sajid Mahmood and Simon Jones are among several Test cricketers set for on-screen roles in a new Bollywood movie about cricket.   

'Victory' is a film which charts the story of a boy fulfiling his dream of playing for India.

Shooting will start this month in Australia, during the ongoing Australia-India series and will feature several current and retired international cricketers from around the world.   

"I was quite surprised when approached to be involved, but it's a great opportunity to do something very different," said Lancashire quick Mahmood.     

"I don't have a big role in the movie: I just play myself and bowl - that can't be too difficult."   

Australians Brett Lee, Allan Border, Mike Hussey and Jason Gillespie as well as New Zealanders Craig McMillan, Daryl Tuffey, Nathan Astle and Martin Crowe, plus members of the current India team are also set to feature in 'Victory'.   

Mahmood will fly to Sydney on January 9 to film his scenes before returning on January 15.   

He will then continue to train with Lancashire before flying to India in February to take part in a specialist bowling camp run by England fast bowling coach Kevin Shine.   

No release date has yet been announced for 'Victory'. This will not be the first time a Bollywood film has had a cricket theme.    

In 2001 the climax of 'Lagaan', set in the late 19th century, featured a cricket match between Indian villagers and British Army officers. It received an Oscar nomination for best foreign language film.