Wednesday 30 October 2019 15:54, UK
Adil Rashid has defended his absence from the Yorkshire squad for their Specsavers County Championship showdown with Middlesex.
The England spinner did not travel south to Lord's on Monday for the Division One match, which starts on Tuesday, live on Sky Sports 1, after he requested to be rested.
However, the 28-year-old has now cited personal reasons for his decision to sit out the game after a family member was recently admitted to hospital.
Rashid wrote on Twitter: "Unfortunately I have not travelled down with the Yorkshire lads this week as one of my closest family members has been very ill and was recently admitted to hospital.
"I didn't feel that I am in a strong enough mental frame of mind to be at my best, although I did make myself available if I was required to play [if] I felt I could be letting the lads down.
"But coupled with my personal reasons I have also had a heavy period of cricket recently for Yorkshire and England which has been both physically and mentally draining and it is very unfortunate timing.
"Family comes first for me and I will be away on England duty this winter with a busy playing schedule.
"I have been in touch with the Yorkshire players and coaches and I will be wishing the lads all the best this game and I am desperately hoping we can lift the trophy for a third year in a row."
