Sharjah: England leg-spinner Adil Rashid is likely to make his Test debut during the upcoming series against Pakistan in the UAE and, after a hard workout at the Sharjah Stadium ahead of the two-day match against Pakistan A starting on Monday, the 27-year-old said: “I feel ready, as if my game is coming along.”
With spin expected to play a vital role in the series, Rashid wants to give his best in the two two-day matches against Pakistan A. He knows what his role will be if given the chance to make his debut.
“My job is to get into the team to create chances and be that wicket-taker. I’m looking to be aggressive and positive,” he said.
The enthusiasm to make his debut is such that he hasn’t been affected by the extreme heat here. “You’ve just got to get on with it and get used to it very quickly and put that heat out of your mind and just concentrate on cricket,” he said.
“It’s quite a big game for me and I hope I can go out there and do the things I do for Yorkshire — keeping it simple and looking to attack. That’s what I’m planning to do if I get the call later as well.
“As time has gone on, I’ve matured as a player and as a person as well.”
Talking about the confidence he has gained, he said: “In the past couple of years I’ve got a lot of confidence back, so I hope I can now carry that on further into cricket. I’m looking to be aggressive, be that wicket-taker.
“I’m there as a strike bowler. My aim is to go out there, enjoy it, create chances, be attacking and let everything else take care of itself.”
Rashid hailed his team’s head coach, Trevor Bayliss, saying: “Trevor’s always given me that backing and confidence, especially around the one-day side and in the nets. He’s always talking to me and giving me that backing — so for him to say that [I will make my Test debut] is very exciting and gives me a real confidence-booster.”
