England announce their squad at 12.30pm today and Moxon said Rashid should be chosen on the strength of his outstanding performances during the second half of the summer.

After managing only 15 first-class wickets at 54.73 during his opening nine games of the season, Rashid bounced back brilliantly with 50 wickets in his last nine matches at 24.96.

His final tally of 65 wickets at 31.83 was the joint second-highest in the country alongside England's Steve Harmison, and only Hampshire seamer James Tomlinson (67) claimed more victims.

Rashid was streets ahead of any other English spinner, with Monty Panesar taking 40 wickets in 14 games at 38.12 and Graeme Swann – Rashid's strongest rival for the second spinner's slot – 32 wickets in 14 matches at 29.96.

Despite previously warning against exposing Rashid to international cricket before he was ready, Moxon now believes the Bradford-born youngster is equipped to sample life at the highest level.

"I would take Adil to India as a second spinner," said Moxon, whose team avoided Championship relegation on Saturday on the back of Rashid's career-best 111 and match haul of
9-177 against Sussex at Hove.

"We shouldn't expect too much if he does get picked because playing Test cricket is a massive step up – particularly in India, because they are such excellent players of spin – but I think the experience he would gain as the second spinner would be hugely beneficial."

Moxon said Rashid's growing maturity meant he could make the necessary step up.

"There has been a big change in the way Adil has gone about his bowling in the latter part of the year and that has convinced me he is ready," added Moxon.

"Early-season, his patience was nil; he wanted to take wickets every ball and was far too eager.

"Gradually, finally, he's learned to be more patient and his results show he's taken on board what we've been trying to drum into him.

"It's been a frustrating process at times because Adil is so incredibly enthusiastic and it's hard to rein him in.

"We've had to continually say to him, 'be patient, be patient', and he's probably been as frustrated with us because we've been going on at him day-in, day-out.

"But the process of how you go about taking wickets is vital, and Adil has started to learn and understand that process and adapted superbly."

Rashid has already represented England Lions and is highly regarded by the selectors. The player has steadfastly maintained a level-headed approach to the possibility of a call-up, a stance he reiterated at Hove.

"I've just got to keep playing well for Yorkshire and see what happens," said Rashid. "If I get picked for England, I'd obviously be delighted, but, if I get picked for the England Lions tour this winter, that would be great as well."

Moxon said he had received no intelligence whether Rashid would be selected for the two-Test series that takes place in Ahmedabad (December 11-15) and Mumbai (December 19-23).

"I honestly don't know whether Adil will be chosen for the tour, but he's got to have a chance," added Moxon.

"All I know is there aren't any other English spinners taking 60-odd wickets in the County Championship.

"It really depends on what England want from their second spinner. If they want a wicket-taking, attacking spinner, then Rashid's their man; if they want a more reliable, experienced person, then probably Graeme Swann is their man. It all depends which way the selectors are looking."

Rashid's century at Hove put a better gloss on his efforts with the bat following some low-key contributions compared with 2007.

The previous summer, Rashid scored 790 Championship runs at 46.47; this year, 516 runs at 23.45.

But Moxon made clear: "We have to accept Adil's youth and that he will have up-and-down periods with bat and ball.

"The key is that he's got talent, and there's no doubt he's a quality batsman as well as a quality bowler."

One man who definitely will not be touring India is former England captain Michael Vaughan, who has opted to take a break despite England's controversial decision to award him a central contract.

The Yorkshire batsman, who managed just 43 runs in four innings for the county after resigning the England captaincy last month, hopes to be chosen for the spring excursion to the West Indies.

Vaughan may play club/state cricket in Australia to gain match fitness ahead of that tour, although doubts remain over his future in the game both internationally and domestically.

"I think that taking a break is the best thing for Michael," commented Moxon. "We've obviously spoken during the time he's been back with Yorkshire and he's basically got to the stage where he's mentally fatigued.

"When that happens, it affects your play and you can't perform to your potential. I'm sure the break will do him the power of good."

Rashid's rush

Captured 50 wickets in his last nine first-class matches of the season to raise hopes of an England call-up:

v Kent (Canterbury): 35-2-140-5, 9-0-46-2.

v Nottinghamshire (Trent Bridge): 7-2-12-2, 33-5-96-4.

v Surrey (Headingley): 11.1-2-40-2, 17-1-47-1.

v Hampshire (Rose Bowl): 31.1-1-107-7, 9-0-37-0.

v Lancashire (Old Trafford): 30.4-4-95-5, 16-6-16-1.

v Kent (Scarborough):
4-0-27-1, 37-4-127-1.

v Sussex (Scarborough): 19-0-56-4.

v Somerset (Scarborough): 30-2-116-3, 29-4-109-3.

v Sussex (Hove): 13-0-41-2, 45-5-136-7.