Photo: Harry Brook (Getty)
Brook’s assessment: Adil Rashid is a 'magician', but his spot in the playing XI is not guaranteed
England’s limited-overs captain Harry Brook has described experienced leg-spinner Adil Rashid as a "magician," yet he has stopped short of confirming whether Rashid will feature in the playing XI for the first ODI against Australia in Perth this Friday. Meanwhile, former captain Jos Buttler believes that for England to win the upcoming World Cup, it is crucial that Rashid is in his best form.
Uncertainty over pitch conditions and selection
Rashid took only one wicket during the three-match ODI series against India in July, and a hand injury ruled him out of the series against Sri Lanka in September. He made his return during a four-nation tri-series in Pakistan last month, but managed only one wicket while conceding 55 runs across his eight overs. Consequently, left-arm spinner Liam Dawson was preferred over him for the remainder of that tournament.
The England team management attributed this decision to the specific pitches and conditions encountered in Pakistan. However, the pitches in Australia are expected to offer significantly more bounce—a trend likely to begin with the first ODI at Perth’s Optus Stadium this Friday.
In a warm-up match against Western Australia, Rashid bowled impressively, taking 4 wickets for 35 runs in 7.3 overs—a spell during which he bowled alongside Dawson.
However, when captain Harry Brook was asked about Rashid’s participation during the press conference, he said, "We are having some discussions today, and you will find out at the toss." Praising Rashid, Brook added, "It entirely depends on the conditions. Everyone knows what a fantastic bowler 'Rash' (Adil Rashid) is; he is a magician with the ball. He can dismantle any batting lineup, and the skills he possesses are incredible. It’s wonderful to have him in the team. That said, Liam Dawson did an excellent job in Pakistan and performed his role perfectly."Controlling the middle overs is the primary objective
Brook added that following the difficulties experienced in taking wickets between overs 11 and 40 during the tri-series, the team has discussed at length the need to 'control' the middle overs as part of their preparations for this series.
He stated, "If you look at the best teams in the world, this is the key area where they currently hold the upper hand. It is something we have talked about extensively over the past week. We want to gain better control during those middle overs—both with the bat and the ball."
Jos Buttler’s view: Adil Rashid is essential for a World Cup win
Harry Brook’s comments come at a time when former white-ball captain Jos Buttler has remarked on a podcast that for England to win next year’s ODI World Cup, Adil Rashid—who will turn 39 by the start of the tournament—must be in top form and part of the squad.
Speaking on his 'For the Love of Cricket' podcast, Buttler said, "I believe that for England to win the World Cup, he needs to be in the team and bowling at his absolute best. I have said it many times: among all the white-ball sides I have played in, Adil has been the most important player."
Buttler is currently not with the team on the tour of Australia due to hamstring surgery he underwent last month; however, he noted that his recovery is progressing "as well as it possibly could" in these early stages.
