ROOT’S RIGHT BEHIND RASHID

Skipper laughs off claims he has a problem with controversial leggy

England v India The First Test, Edgbaston, starts 11am

JOE ROOT has dismissed claims he has a problem with Adil Rashid. By picking just the one specialist spinner for the 1000th Test starting at Edgbaston today, Root is backing Rashid to ignore the haters and reproduce his sparkling white-ball form in the longest format. “Obviously I was in favour of the selection,” insisted Root. “I’ve known Adil from being a young lad at Yorkshire. “I think it gives us a really great attacking spinning option. In terms of

the criticism, people are entitled to their opinions. I probably think it’s slightly unfair.”

Root will lead an England Test side that includes his Yorkshire teammate for the first time at the start of a mouthwatering five-match series against India.

And after 10 overseas Tests it will be Rashid’s (above) first on home soil and Root reckons he is the skipper to get the best out of the leggie.

“I’ve got a great idea of how to captain him,” said Root. “Ultimately that story will be told in time.

“I have 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.

“He’s very talented and over the last couple of years with experience he has grown as a player massively.

“The criticism doesn’t look like it has affected him at all. He looks like he’s bowling extremely well.”