Yorkshire CCC's Adil Rashid backed by Trevor Bayliss to prosper for England
The Yorkshire leg-spinner was expected to travel to South Africa with the Test squad, but Bayliss decided on a more progressive course of action.
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Hide AdWith pace bowling always likely to dominate in South Africa, he felt Rashid’s time would be wasted on the sidelines and helped broker a deal that saw him link up with county coach Jason Gillespie at Adelaide Strikers.
It has been a roaring success, with Rashid finishing the BBL group stage as the tournament’s top wicket-taker, claiming 15 at an average of 13.20.
Now, he looks sure to be a key player when England head to India for the World Twenty20 in March.
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Hide Ad“It couldn’t have worked out any better could it?” said Bayliss.
“We thought coming to South Africa that the likelihood of playing two spinners was probably not great, so Rash would just be just running drinks.
“But there’s been a bit of talk about IPLs and Big Bashes, and trying to get our guys a bit more worldly, experienced.
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Hide Ad“It was an opportunity that came up, so we took it and it’s fantastic news not just for Rash but I think the England game.
“With him and David Willey doing well in that competition, and Michael Lumb, hopefully more of those teams will look at the English game for even more players to go out there and play.”
Although his stint in Adelaide has boosted Rashid’s standing in the game, Bayliss is keen not to label him as a limited-overs specialist.
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Hide AdHe played three Tests against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates before Christmas and, despite a mixed series, the 27-year-old is still considered a three-format option.
“It’s more of a long-term thing with him, he’s still young (for a spinner),” said Bayliss.
“He could have a 10-year international career and this is just the very beginning.
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Hide Ad“I suppose it’s about trying to fast-track him a little. He’s certainly bowled well for us in the white-ball games but I think he’s got the opportunity to bowl well in Test cricket as well.”
Rashid is part of the limited-overs squads that will take on the Proteas in five one-day internationals and two T20s, and is expected to link up with the side once the Strikers’ participation in the BBL knockouts is over.