RASH CALL TAKES THE MICHAEL
Adil should be selected in England’s squad. “Before the selection meeting, Adil confirmed his availability to play Test cricket for England for the whole of this summer, and the upcoming winter tours to Sri Lanka and West Indies. “Adil fully understands that if he wishes to be eligible for Test cricket in the 2019 season, he must have a county contract to play four-day cricket. Moving forward, England Test players must be committed to the County Championship.”
But Yorkshire have slammed England’s decision, insisting the controversial move delivers a blow to the county game.
Chief executive Mark Arthur said: “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.”
Former England skipper Michael Vaughan said: “So we have picked someone who can’t be arsed with four-day cricket for the Test team. Forget whether he is good enough or not, I find this decision ridiculous!”
Rashid said: “Obviously, I was kind of surprised.
“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.”
Uncapped Essex paceman Jamie Porter, 25, was the other surprise name in a 13-man squad, with all-rounder Moeen Ali also recalled.
ENGLAND SQUAD: Root (capt), Ali, Anderson, Bairstow, Broad, Buttler, Cook, S Curran, Jennings, Malan, Porter, Rashid, Stokes.