Root backs Rashid's inclusion in the playing XI for 1000th Test
Joe Root and Adil Rashid © Getty Images
Adil Rashid will play his first Test on English soil when England face India at Edgbaston on Wednesday (July 31). The spinner has finally been named in the playing XI for England’s 1000th Test after facing much criticism over his selection in the squad despite not having a red-ball contract with his county side.
Rashid last featured for England in a Test series in December 2016 which was also against India. He had taken 23 wickets in that five-match series where England were defeated 4-0.
England Test skipper Joe Root thinks that criticism of Rashid is unfair and said the spinner would be an ideal attacking choice against the Indian batting line-up that is filled with right-handers.
“Obviously I was in favor of the selection and I think it gives us a really great attacking spinning option. In terms of the criticism, people are entitled to their opinions and can voice what they want. I probably think it’s slightly unfair but that’s my opinion.
“I think over the last couple of years with experience he has grown as a player massively. He’s developed his game in a way that he has a better understanding of what he’s trying to do and how he’s trying to work batters out. He’s got high skill levels which I think are very transferable into Test cricket.
“I’ve got a great idea of how to captain him. I have known Adil for a long time, seen his success over the last year in white-ball cricket and feel I have an opportunity to get the best out of him in this format now,” Root reportedly said.
Alastair Cook also feels that Rashid will come out on top exhibiting his maturity.
“Over the last 18 months I think he's matured as a cricketer and improved since we last saw him in an England Test shirt.
“I think he'll be fine. Clearly he's going to be nervous but I genuinely think he will cope - he's bowling brilliantly,” Cook said.
Jamie Porter’s wait for England debut prolongs as he has been benched alongside Moeen Ali ahead of the five-match series opener. Sam Curran, on the other hand, has been named in the team for his second Test.
Both James Anderson and Stuart Broad have been included in the team and the former has been replaced by Jos Buttler as the vice-captain of the Test side.
“Jos is vice-captain of the white-ball side, thinks hugely about the game and is respected in the dressing room.
“We are thinking about the long-term and Jos is a big part of that,” Root said regarding Buttler’s new role.
England Playing XI for 1000th Test
Alastair Cook, Keaton Jennings, Joe Root, Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Stuart Broad, Sam Curran, Adil Rashid, James Anderson.
