England captain Alastair Cook has admitted that his team knows nothing about former Pakistani asylum seeker Fawad Ahmed, who is increasingly being touted as a likely inclusion to Australia's Ashes squad.
The leg-spinner, who is due to join Australia A in the UK on Sunday and will play against Ireland in a match starting on June 14, is expected to see his citizenship get rubber-stamped in time for him to be included as the second spinner in Australia's Ashes squad, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
According to the report, the fact that England is eager for a bowling footage of Ahmed can be taken as a part of his appeal, with Australia in need of a surprise element.
Stating that England has some homework to do, Cook said that since they have not seen much of the leg-spinner's bowling talents, they have to be diligent and be prepared for him like they do for every new player, adding that England may have an opportunity to have a look at Ahmed given the fact that he has been selected in the Australia A squad.
Cook further said that England is aiming to win their first 50-over international tournament at the ICC Champions Trophy, adding that the team is aware that falling short at home will mean World Cups will become their only chance of one-day success in the future - with this set to be the last Champions Trophy.
Stating that the both the 2015 World Cup and the Champions Trophy are important tournaments, Cook said that he is confident that his team can deliver in both the events.
