Yep I feel Ed Smith really has put Root in an impossible position here. If they turn up at Edgbaston and it's got some grass on it or even if Root doesn't want to play 2 spinners, surely he is forced into playing Rashid whether he wants to or not. If Rashid doesn't play then I think the cricket world world would actually combust!
Personally if we go with 2 spinners I don't think we can afford it to be a 6 man attack with Curran/Porter playing as it means we will lose a batsman when our top order isn't that great anyways! It would need to be the 2 spinners with Broad, Anderson and Stokes.
Yes a six man attack is too lop sided even if it is dry and you would think the wicket itself will be green at the start even if the outfield is not, this is England after all not Sharjah.if 5 bowlers can't do the job then 6 won't .
But forget the fact Rashid will play if we play two spinners, Rashid is playing if we only play one-surely that will happen you just can't imagine anything else.
Which leaves Root in reality with one choice so yes, whether he wants it or not. I don't think he wants Rashid in myself, no evidence just a feeling as mentioned by Buzz.
I would t be surprised if we only play one spinner and pick Porter because Root might be worried the Indians go after the spinners and he loses control in the field.
I think Cook was always reluctant to play Rashid for that exact reason.
Could be wrong thou
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Topic: England Vs India Test Matches (Read 169573 times)