Wednesday 20 April 2016 14:09, UK
Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie believes Adil Rashid can become England's first-choice spinner for Test matches.
Leg-spinner Rashid featured as back-up to Moeen Ali during the three-Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates before Christmas and Gillespie believes the Yorkshireman has the ability to establish himself as a regular starter.
Rashid has taken 418 first-class wickets during his 10-year career and also impressed in white-ball cricket for Gillespie's Adelaide Strikers and England over the winter.
"I certainly think he has the potential [to be England's first-choice spin option] - no question, without a doubt," said Gillespie.
"I firmly believe he could be number one. That should be his goal, to be the number one spinner. I know he's working really hard to achieve that, and there's a strong chance that will happen."
Moeen, who made his name for Worcestershire primarily as a batsman, has taken 64 wickets in 23 Tests with his off-breaks.
Gillespie is an admirer, but believes a wrist-spinner's ability to turn the ball both ways is a major weapon in cricket at all levels.
"I just think 'pick your best spinner'," he added. "I think Moeen Ali is a very good spinner as well [but] my personal opinion is that 'leggies' are like gold.
"With a 'leggie', you find a way to make it work."
Gillespie feels another option for England is to try and find room in the team for both Rashid and Mooen on a regular basis.
"Moeen Ali hasn't done much wrong, and they like his batting option," said the Australian. "I think Moeen is still suffering the stigma as being seen as a batsman who bowls a bit ... he's actually a very good off-spinner.
"Rash is seen as the genuine spinner option ... I think they can both play together in that Test team."
