UK news Adil Rashid opts out of first-class cricket for 2018 season • Leg-spinner to concentrate on white-ball game• Ben Stokes may train on Saturday with England in New Zealand Adil Rashid has been used only sparingly in Tests by England. While a mainstay of England’s one-day team since the 2015 World Cup – no bowler has taken more than his 84 wickets during this time – the 29-year-old leg-spinner has been used only sparingly in Test cricket with all 10 of his caps coming overseas. “I’ve made the decision to just concentrate on white ball, something which makes me very happy and gives me the best chance of improving my cricket,” said Rashid. That game could be a dead rubber in any case – England need New Zealand to beat Australia to keep their hopes alive. “It’s just up and in the air,” said Bayliss when pressed on the 26-year-old’s playing chances beyond this weekend.

Source: The Guardian February 15, 2018 12:52 UTC