Vaughan leads backlash over Rashid’s ‘ridiculous’ England recall

LONDON: England selection chief Ed Smith and his panel were under fire on Thursday following their controversial decision to recall leg-spinner Adil Rashid for next week’s First Test against India — a move Michael Vaughan slammed as “ridiculous.”

Rashid was included in a 13man squad even though he has opted out of playing first-class County Championship cricket for Yorkshire this season.

Being available for Championship cricket has long been an essential requirement for England selection and many observers believe it’s wrong Rashid, for all his recent excellent oneday international form, should get a Test recall without playing red-ball cricket.

Former England captain Vaughan, who himself played for Yorkshire, was scathing in his assessment.

“Forget whether he is good enough or not I find this decision ridiculous ... !!!,” Vaughan told his Twitter followers.

Normally the announcement that a Yorkshire player had been selected for an England side would be a cause for rejoicing among the White Rose faithful.

But former Yorkshire and England seamer Matthew Hoggard was also among those who tweeted their disapproval of Rashid’s recall for the first of a five-match series at Edgbaston.

“Another kick in the teeth for county cricket! Total devaluation in (of) the Championship,” he said.

Yorkshire chief executive Mark Arthur made a similar point, telling the county’s website: “We’re very surprised that England have called Adil up after not playing red-ball cricket this season.

“Neither has he expressed a desire to do so. I hope that England know what they’re doing to Adil, and the county game.”

Meanwhile even the 30-yearold Rashid, who has yet to play a Test in England after 10 appearances overseas, said he was taken aback by his recall after more than 18 months out of the format since playing against India in Chennai in Dec 2016.

“It was definitely a tough decision — and yes, obviously, I was kind of surprised,” Rashid told Sky Sports News.

“To get back in the Test side, usually people have got to go back to their counties and perform to be considered.

“But me and Ed Smith and a few others, had a chat — and they were thinking, if I can be available... we’ll be happy for me to be in the squad.”

Rashid starred recently in England’s one-day series wins over Australia and India, taking 20 wickets at an average of 23.95.

He also produced a classic legbreak to bowl India captain and star batsman Virat Kohli as England clinched a 2-1 success at the bowler’s Headingley home ground.