Former England batsman, Kevin Pietersen has backed the controversial inclusion of veteran leg-spinner Adil Rashid for the first Test against India.
Meanwhile, the first of the five-match Test series commences from August 1 at Edgbaston. England selectors headed by Ed Smith announced a 13-member squad for the first Test on July 26.
Rashid’s inclusion has caused a wide-range outrage, however, Kevin Pietersen has backed the decision. Rashid’s last appearance came against India in Chennai almost 18 months ago.
More surprisingly, Adil Rashid has also skipped this year’s County Championship. The leg-spinner signed a contract with Yorkshire but opted out from the red-ball cricket. The selectors made an exception by picking Rashid in the Test squad.
While many slammed the decision, Kevin Pietersen stood by the leg-spinner. He wrote on Twitter that playing County cricket or not doesn’t bother him at all. Moreover, he hopes Rashid does well in the opening fixture.
“Picking Rashid if he plays 4day County cricket or not doesn’t interest me at all. BUT, the difference between facing a spinner in Tests compared to white ball, is MASSIVE! WI tried it with Narine & I played that Test. It was a different ball game! Hope Adil goes well!” Pietersen tweeted.
Picking Rashid if he plays 4day County cricket or not doesn’t interest me at all.
BUT, the difference between facing a spinner in Tests compared to white ball, is MASSIVE!
WI tried it with Narine & I played that Test. It was a different ball game!
Hope Adil goes well!
— Kevin Pietersen? (@KP24) July 27, 2018
Riding on his impressive show in the limited-overs series, Adil Rashid got a comeback call in the Test side. He returned with six wickets from three games and guided his team to a series win.
So far, Rashid has played 10 Tests matches returning with 18 wickets with the best figure of 5 for 64.