Cook gives Rashid Test recall his seal of approval

Adil’s new maturity has given former captain confidence about return.

Alastair Cook insists a more mature Adil Rashid can rise to the occasion of his controversial Test recall.

The former England captain concedes the leg-spinner might in his younger years have found it tough to set aside the furore which has followed his shock inclusion in a 13-man squad to face India at Edgbaston this week.

But Cook senses that at 30 the Yorkshireman can cope with the spotlight of England’s landmark 1,000th Test.

England v India – Specsavers First Test Match – England Nets – Day One – Edgbaston — Alastair Cook says Adil Rashid, pictured, has maturity on his side (Mike Egerton/PA).

Among those to make their displeasure clear were Yorkshire themselves and former Ashes-winning captain Michael Vaughan – who described the situation as “ridiculous” and a ‘stab in the back’ for county cricket.

Asked if Rashid may find it difficult to give his best in such exacting circumstances, Cook said: “I think probably in the past he would have.

“(But) over the last 18 months … I think he’s matured as a cricketer and improved since we last saw him in an England Test shirt. I think he’ll be fine.

“Clearly he’s going to be nervous … but I genuinely think he will cope … he’s bowling brilliantly.”

England v India Series Package — Michael Vaughan does not agree with Adil Rashid’s recall to England’s Test squad (Hannah McKay/PA).

“In one sense, I feel a little bit sorry for Adil – all the political side of the selection, rather than looking at him.

“He’s been selected to play for England, which is a huge honour, and all this other stuff has overtaken it.

“We’ve got a different style of English spinner, with a little bit of mystery to him, who’s bowling really well.

“That is what we should be excited about – not really what’s happening with the off-field stuff, Yorkshire and all that.”