England recall Rashid for first India Test

Adil Rashid (Image - ICC/Twitter)

London, July 26 - England selectors on Thursday sprang a surprise by recalling leg-spinner Adil Rashid to the 13-man squad for the first Test against India, starting August 1 in Birmingham.

Rashid, who last played a Test in December 2016, against the same opponents in Chennai has been in great form in white ball cricket this summer taking 20 wickets. He has been instrumental in England's ODI series victories over Australia and India. 

Commenting on Rashid's surprise selection, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) national selector Ed Smith, said: "Clearly, the one-off circumstances around Adil's return to the Test squad are unusual. However, the selection panel was unanimous in believing that Adil should be selected in England's squad."

"Before the selection meeting, Adil had confirmed his availability to play Test cricket for England for whole of this summer and the upcoming winter tours to Sri Lanka and the West Indies," he added.

Besides Rashid, uncapped seamer Jamie Porter was the lone fresh face in the Joe Root-led squad, which also marks the return of all-rounder Moeen Ali for the first time since the tour of New Zealand.

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