Rashid in after Yardy’s shock exit

England call up Adil Rashid into their World Cup squad.

COLOMBO:

England called up Adil Rashid into their World Cup squad ahead of their quarter-final against Sri Lanka after left-arm spinner Michael Yardy withdrew with depression.

The 30-year-old announced yesterday he was suffering from depression and had no option but to return home. Meanwhile, leg-spinner Rashid will arrive in Colombo tomorrow – the same day as England face Sri Lanka – and faces a possibly needless journey from the West Indies where he is playing for the England Lions.

“We have been closely monitoring Adil’s progress over the winter,” said national selector Geoff Miller. “He’ll have benefited from being part of the Lions tour and his experience in Australia can help.”

The 23-year-old Rashid has taken three wickets in five One-Day Internationals and last played against South Africa at Centurion in November 2009.

Bopara plays down Yardy’s withdrawal

Ravi Bopara played down Yardy’s withdrawal from the squad, insisting it will not affect the quarter-final.

“It won’t hurt, it doesn’t affect anyone,” said Bopara. “Everyone else has got to get on with their game and do their jobs properly.”

Bopara said he heard about Yardy’s decision on Thursday morning. “I’ve noticed over the last couple of days that he wasn’t 100 per cent. I think players should be open about that because it can be a big problem. It’s not a minor issue, not something you can look upon lightly. It can affect someone quite badly.”

Published in The Express Tribune, March 25^th, 2011.