Is it fair to say Adil Rashid would have had a much better career at the international level if he wasn't representing England? Fair to say - Yes. The team's long researched aversion to any kind of spin has meant that a promising career has never quite taken off - at any format of the game. Come to think of this - Rashid made his One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 (T20I) debut way back in 2009, but then had to wait six long years before he could bowl in whites. While the series against Pakistan was an educative experience, Rashid was expected to deliver the goods when he was chosen as the main spinner during England's arduous 7-Test tour of the sub-continent - with two Tests lined up against Bangladesh and a further five against India in 2016. Albeit against tough opposition, this was Rashid's chance to shine. Rashid didn't play a Test since the India tour for some time and his chances of gaining another 'Three Lions' cap looked bleak. While his Test future didn't look good, Rashid became a vital part in the scheme of things in the new-look England ODI squad. He became a valuable asset for the Morgan led side as England brought about a bit of a renaissance in ODI cricket after the 2015 World Cup. Rashid, who had decided not to play red-ball cricket with his county, in a surprised/controversial move was recalled for the Test squad against the home Test series against India in 2018 following his performances against the same opponents in the 50-over format. Later that year, he was a key member of the England squad that whitewashed the Island nation in a 3-match Test series in Sri Lanka. Having missed the bus for the 2010 T20 World Cup triumph, Rashid made amends by ensuring he remained a pivotal part when England won the T20 World Cup in 2022 under Jos Buttler. Rashid might not have featured in a lot of the ODIs post the pandemic but expect another string showing from the leggie in the 2023 World Cup as the conditions would certainly favour him.
