ADIL RASHID has been thrust into England’s squad as they consider unleashing a mystery spinner of their own.
On the day Pakistan magician Yasir Shah officially became the world’s No 1 bowler, Rashid started dreaming of a first home Test.
Alastair Cook wanted James Anderson for the first Test but was outvoted
The Yorkshire wrist-spinner was named in a 14-man squad for the Second Test starting at Old Trafford on Friday, along with returning James Anderson and Ben Stokes.
Rashid is an important part of England’s white ball teams but has played only three Tests — none in England.
He could replace Moeen Ali, play alongside him if England go for two spinners or be left out altogether.
Head coach Trevor Bayliss said: “Pakistan have just one left-hander in their top-order and, with Moeen, the ball is spinning into their right-handers.
“Playing a leg-spinner is definitely a possibility — the ball spinning away from the bat is more difficult to face.
“I always liked the thought of two spinners. Whether it is the next game, we’ll have to look at the pitch and conditions.”
Gary Ballance was recalled for the first Test v Pakistan but was unconvincing
Rashid’s three Tests were all against Pakistan in the UAE late last year and, apart from a five-wicket Abu Dhabi haul, he was hammered.
He finished the series with eight wickets at an average of 69.50 and conceded his runs at more than four an over.
While Yasir rarely bowls bad deliveries and was able to exert control at Lord’s, Rashid is nowhere near as accurate.
Last winter, Pakistan simply waited for the loose ball and helped themselves. That is the big worry for England.
Anderson was omitted from the First Test squad against the wishes of Bayliss and captain Alastair Cook, who wanted to give him as long as possible to prove his fitness.
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The Lancashire swinger — nursing a stress fracture of the right shoulder — bowled 22 overs against Durham at the weekend, taking three wickets.
Stokes also batted and bowled to show he is over surgery on his left knee.
Anderson yesterday lost his position as the planet’s top-ranked Test bowler in the world due to Yasir’s mesmerising ten-wicket haul at Lord’s.
Yasir is the first Pakistan bowler to be world No 1 since spinner Mushtaq Ahmed, now the team’s bowling coach, in 1996.
Anderson dropped to No 3 behind Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin, Stuart Broad is fourth.
The batting should be of bigger concern for England.
James Vince has a high of 42 in six summer Test innings, dropping five catches.
He looks elegant but so far has not shown the discipline or mentality of a top Test star.
Bayliss added: “I think it would be an injustice if he doesn’t make it.
“He has some work to do but his form in white ball cricket for us has been good.
“All our batsmen have to play spin better.”
ENGLAND SQUAD: Cook (capt), Hales, Root, Vince, Ballance, Stokes, Bairstow, Moeen, Rashid, Woakes, Broad, Finn, Anderson, Ball.
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