Rashid poised to end long wait for Test chance

IT has been six long years since Adil Rashid made his one-day international debut but he will finally add his first Test appearance here in the United Arab Emirates knowing he is integral to England’s chances of upsetting Pakistan. Rashid looks certain to join Moeen Ali in England’s two-pronged spin attack in the first Test in Abu Dhabi on October 13 having gained the confidence of coach Trevor Bayliss by becoming England’s leading one-day wickettaker this year. Before then he plays against Pakistan A to launch England’s tour in Sharjah today knowing he must avoid a repeat of the poor performance in a warm-up game in St Kitts earlier this year that cost him his chance of facing West Indies. ‘It’s quite a big game for me and I feel ready,’ said Rashid (right), who first toured with England at the start of 2009 without appearing in the ultimate form of the game. ‘My job is to get in the team, create chances and be that wicket-taker. I’m looking to be aggressive and positive.’ There are influential people in the English game who have questioned whether Rashid, now 27, can flourish in Test cricket. But Bayliss has been encouraging from the moment he became coach and was close to handing him his Test debut at Lord’s against Australia this summer before a thumb injury ruled him out. ‘Trevor’s always given me his backing and confidence, especially around the one-day side,’ added Rashid. ‘He’s always talking to me, so for him to say I will play in this series is a real boost.’