England is right to recall Rashid: Botham

The 30-year-old’s inclusion for the Edgbaston Test, which begins on Wednesday, has divided opinion because he is only playing limited-overs cricket for Yorkshire this summer. Botham, however, backs the decision. “It is the best conditions for him,” said Botham. “The pitches are going to be dry and I am pretty certain he will get purchase out of them.” 

He added: “I hope he does really well. I like the kid - he is very intense and always wanting to do better with his bowling. His bowling has come on leaps and bounds.” Leg-spinner Rashid is a key player in England’s limited-overs team but has not played a red ball match since September.

However, after taking six wickets at an average of 25 in ODI’s against India and taking into account the current dry conditions in the UK, England recalled Rashid for his first Test since 2016. The move angered Yorkshire, whose chief executive Mark Arthur said the county were “surprised” by Rashid’s recall, while the White Rose’s director of cricket Martyn Moxon said county clubs are “feeling a little bit like doormats”. 

Botham thinks Rashid has done little wrong and suggested some of the blame should be placed at England’s door. “I have seen some ridiculous stuff written, and I am very much on Adil’s side,” said Botham. “I find it quite bizarre. Adil wanted to play white-ball cricket, he has bowled exceptionally well and in the last two series he played in Test cricket he bowled very well.” 

“Then for some reason England messed him around a bit. He took the option (to only play white-ball cricket), he has now bowled extremely well, they said ‘look, come in for this series, we would like you to play’, then I hear later on that they have told him if you don’t sign up to a four-day contract for next year you can’t play,” Bothan said. “Excuse me, if that is the attitude why is he playing now? They make it difficult for themselves. He is now on top of his game, he has come to terms with his game and how he should perform and I am really happy he is back in there.” 

“England should be playing its best players regardless of white-ball or redball contracts. If he is an English-qualified player and he can play - play. Cut all the bull out.”