Recently, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) selectors have been criticized by some cricket experts and former English cricketers to selecting the leg-spinner Adil Rashid for the upcoming first Test of five-match home Test series against India. However, former English all-rounder Sir Ian Botham backs Rashid as he feels that it was pretty unnecessary.

In early 2018, Rashid has desired to not play the multiday County crickets at the moment as he wanted to focus in the limited-overs crickets only. However, recently he has performed very well in the limited-overs cricket and received a reward as an inclusion in the Test squad for the upcoming first Test against India that will be played at Edgbaston, starting from August 1.

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Former English captain Michael Vaughan has remarked that selection as the “ridiculous” and “a stab in the back for county cricket”, while Rashid hit him back later by saying that Vaughan’s comments were stupid things.

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Some of the former English cricketers have supported Vaughan while Botham feels that it was pretty unnecessary to criticise Rashid.

Botham told on Sky Sports, “I don’t understand what Michael was on about, it was pretty unnecessary. Adil is fed up with it and has reacted. There has been a lot of stuff out there written and I just don’t get it. I wonder if some people just do it for effect.

“I like the kid and I think he’s come to terms with the way of bowling and sorted out his game plan.”

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Botham also believes that Rashid will enjoy the red ball and the upcoming Test will be an interesting contest.

The former English all-rounder said, “He does put it out there and is prepared to throw (the ball) up. The Indians will go after him but I hope he does very well. It should be an interesting contest. I think he’ll enjoy the red ball – he will enjoy the purchase he can get on it and will have a point to prove.”