5 controversial selection-related decisions in cricket

#1 Adil Rashid's selection in the 2018 Test series against India

Adil Rashid was surprisingly recalled into the Test squad despite opting out of County cricket

England's key limited-overs leg-spinner Adil Rashid's name surprisingly appeared in the squad for the first Test against India in Edgbaston. The reason why his selection left the England fans and experts astonished was that Rashid had signed a white-ball only contract with Yorkshire just prior to 2018 county season. He had thus not played any red-ball cricket since September 2017.

One of the factors of prime importance in England's Test team selection process is the player's performance in the 4-day format of the English county championship. Rashid's selection despite him opting out of the 4-day format was lambasted by many former English greats as well as Yorkshire's chief executive.

Rashid's ability to turn the ball on any surface and a need for a quality wrist-spinner tilted the scales in his favour. The move worked in England's favour as he picked three wickets to play a part in a thrilling victory at Edgbaston. He continued to impress and picked vital wickets to contribute to England's 4-1 series triumph.