England cricketers to star in Bollywood movie

England bowlers Simon Jones and Sajid Mahmood are to appear alongside other Test cricketers in a Bollywood movie about cricket. The film, called Victory, tells the story of a young boy from a village in Rajastan who dreams of playing cricket for India. Filming has already begun in Sydney, to coincide with the Indian cricket team's tour of Australia. The stars of the film are actress Amrita Rao (pictured) and Bollywood newcomer Harman Baweja.

Among other cricketers appearing making cameos are current Australian players Brett Lee, Mike Hussey and legendary batsman Allan Border. Fast bowler Lee is no stranger to Bollywood after releasing the song You're The One For Me with Indian film icon Asha Bhosle last January. It featured Lee playing guitar and singing in English and Hindi.

Around 20 past and present cricket players will feature in the film, including several from the Indian team. However, controversy surrounds the appearance of New Zealand players Daryl Tuffey, Nathan Astle and Craig McMillan: they have signed up with a rebel Indian cricket league and may be cut from the film.

Mahmood has not played for England for a year and injury-plagued Jones made his last international appearance during the 2005 Ashes series. "I was quite surprised when approached to be involved, but it's a great opportunity to do something very different," says Mahmood. "I don't have a big role in the movie; I just play myself and bowl - that can't be too difficult to do!" ·