ENG Vs IND, 2018: Michael Atherton Not in Favour to Introduce Adil Rashid in Tests
Published - 24 Jul 2018, 04:52 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:53 PM
Former English skipper and a current commentator of Sky Sports, Michael Atherton feels that it will be unjust to select Adil Rashid in the Test squad against India on the back of his limited-overs performances.
The cricketer-turned broadcaster Atherton said he isn’t in favour of Rashid getting selected in the Test format.
English leg-spinner Rashid is likely to make a return to the Test squad for the five-match Test series. The series will commence from 1st August in Birmingham.
Rashid stated that if given the opportunity he is ready to offer his services in red-ball cricket.
The decision comes almost a year after Rashid decided to call it quits from the longest format of the game. He hasn’t played county cricket for more than a year.
It was because Rashid hasn’t played enough county cricket in the past. He said that Rashid should start playing first-class cricket to make an easy pathway to the longest format of the game.
Rashid missed out on the Ashes. But Mason Crane, Jack Leach and Dominic Bess were preferred ahead of him. His sour relationship with Yorkshire also forced him to retire from Test cricket.
Moreover, Atherton feels that as a result of his long absence from county cricket, Rashid doesn’t deserve to be part of the national team in the Test format.
Michael Atherton feels it would be wrong to include Rashid:
“It would be entirely wrong if Adil Rashid were to be selected for Test cricket against India while still unavailable for Yorkshire. They hold the County Championship as the pinnacle and the route to the England Test team. Players know that they have to earn the right. Rashid must make himself available for domestic first-class cricket before a possible return to the Test team.” Artherton maintained in a column for The Times.
English wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler was recently rewarded for his consistent showing in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the limited-overs circuit. He got an opportunity in the Test series against Pakistan.
However, Atherton feels the selection was justified. Also, he feels Buttler has played enough county cricket to prove himself in the longer formats. Atherton feels Rashid’s inclusion might not go down well with youngsters.
