India vs England | England pick Adil Rashid over Moeen Ali for first Test against India

Adil Rashid picked up six wickets from three ODI matches against India earlier this month, which included an absolute beauty against Indian skipper Virat Kohli in the second match. His performances with the ball along with the extreme summer conditions paved the way for his inclusion in the Test squad, despite his last appearance coming in December 2016, co-incidentally against India.

Many former English cricketers, Michael Vaughan for example, condemned the ECB’s decision of re-calling Rashid. But the English have gone ahead and placed their faith in the 30-year old spinner as they named him in the squad for the first Test at Edgbaston ahead of first-choice spinner Moeen Ali. 

The extreme weather conditions in the build-up to the Test had initially suggested that both teams would rely on their spinners for wickets due to dry pitches. But a change in climate, which has brought in some rain and some impressive groundskeeping has resulted in perfect Test cricket conditions for tomorrow’s game.

This would explain England’s decision of fielding just one spinner instead of two in the form of Rashid. Joe Root leads the pack with Test veteran Alastair Cook by his side at the top of the order. In-form English batsman Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler retain their spot in the playing XI along with a misfiring Ben Stokes who will offer his skipper some options as far as bowling is concerned.

Left-handed opener, Keaton Jennings will open the innings for the hosts and Middlesex batsman, David Malan meant that the Three Lions will have a plenty of depth in their batting order. Sam Curran, pacer Tom Curran’s younger sibling, will play in his first Test match at Edgbaston along with experienced pacers - Stuart Broad and England’s spearhead, James Anderson.