IT’S GREAT to see Adil Rashid performing so well for the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash out in Australia, though it’s not a massive surprise.
He went out there a few years ago to play for the Redbacks and was the top wicket-taker in the competition, but what’s so different this time is that 70 per cent of the batsmen don’t seem to be able to pick him.
He didn’t have the best introduction to Test cricket against Pakistan in the UAE – though he wasn’t the only England spinner to get whacked out there – but I’m sure having the white ball back in his hand will do him the world of good.
He’s going to be a big part of the World T20 squad in March and this will serve as great preparation for him.
Jason Gillespie is also out there coaching the Strikers, and I’ll be interested to see if he has a fresh take on things when he returns.
As one-day captain I’m not one to come up with loads of new ideas, but the odd tweak will hopefully be good for our team.
It’s a different game out there, but I’d like to see a similar franchise system introduced over here. It might mean certain players, including myself, miss out on playing in the competition, but a smaller tournament with less teams would likely improve the standard of T20 cricket in this country.
* Alex Lees’ column is brought to you by Pennine Business Partners
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