Yardy’s departure paves way for Rashid’s World Cup call

Yardy left the sub-continent this morning after admitting he was struggling to cope with depression.

The selectors have wasted little time in turning to Rashid with the move having also been given the green light by the ICC event technical committee.

Rashid, who is currently in the West Indies with England Lions, is due to arrive in Colombo on Saturday although it remains to be seen whether he will be in contention to play in the quarter-final clash with Sri Lanka.

National selector Geoff Miller said: “We have been closely monitoring Adil’s progress over the winter and he will have benefited from being part of the Lions tour in the Caribbean and his recent experience in Australia where he played a key role in helping the Redbacks win the Big Bash T20 competition.

“His inclusion will provide us with a different option in our bowling attack and I am sure Adil will be delighted to be joining the squad at such a crucial juncture in this Cricket World Cup.”