Adil Rashid takes the cover of the new issue of Wisden Cricket Monthly, out on October 26, as the double World Cup-winning leg-spinner talks Jo Harman through his singular career, from his preternatural first steps in the game, to the wilderness years that followed, leading to his triumphant arrival as the bowler England hoped he would become.
In a candid interview, Rashid reflects: “For me to go in there as a young kid, I did feel at times: Do I belong here? What am I doing here? And leg-spin back then, I definitely think they didn’t know how to handle it.”
Elsewhere in the magazine, we review the performances of all 18 counties this season including special features on Surrey, Leicestershire and Worcestershire, Matthew Hayden tells Mel Farrell he wouldn’t consider coaching Australia because of the way Justin Langer was treated, Phil Walker examines the proliferation of cricket podcasts, and Matt Roller explains how the county transfer system really works.
We also have an exclusive interview with Zafar Ansari by Taha Hashim, Keaton Jennings and his father Ray reflect on learning cricket the hard way, we pick out a selection of the game’s great fast bowlers who burned brightly but briefly, and pay tribute to Alastair Cook following his retirement.
As for our columnists, Lawrence Booth isn’t impressed with Dharamshala’s sandy outfield, Andrew Miller reacts to the news that cricket will be part of the 2028 LA Olympics, and Suresh Menon reports from Ahmedabad on the latest chapter in sport’s most volatile rivalry.
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Wisden Cricket Monthly is also available in digital form. You can purchase single issues or sign up for a subscription here.
10 standout quotes from the new issue:
“When you have a genuine feel that this captain is behind you, that’s a real thing. Some captains may say it, but when a captain genuinely believes in you it gives you the confidence and belief to try your utmost to deliver your skills. If it wasn’t for Morgs [Eoin Morgan], I don’t think I would be in the position I am today.”
Adil Rashid talks Jo Harman through his journey to the top of the game
“Sometimes it feels as if multi-team tournaments are held just so India and Pakistan can play each other and pretend that a win is an endorsement of everything from their respective political systems to the quality of their meat curries and the charm of their beauty queens.”
Suresh Menon on the World Cup providing a platform for India and Pakistan’s rivalry
“We’ve done a lot of work in the background to create a winning culture, and having done that, with the talent that we’ve got in our group, we should be flying. The average age of our group is actually quite young – this team could be great for a number of years.”
Jordan Clark says there is plenty more to come after Surrey made it back-to-back Championship titles
“Inevitably, the reasons for cricket’s Olympic flirtation are far less idealistic than the movement’s velvet-gloved reputation. Much like every other corporation that seeks year-on-year ‘growth’, the IOC covets South Asia’s vast TV market, but recognises that – with India having won a total of two gold medals since 1980 – it’ll take more than just Neeraj Chopra’s undoubted prowess with a javelin to lure in those eyeballs.”
Andrew Miller on the news that cricket will be part of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
“I wouldn’t, no. After Justin [Langer] and his treatment, I wouldn’t have any part of trying to coach Australia because I just don’t feel that’s something I would enjoy. I really love Australian cricket and I really love broadcasting on the current cricket team. I think they’re a magnificent team but in terms of an investment, no, it’s not something that I’d even consider.”
Matthew Hayden tells Mel Farrell he wouldn’t consider coaching his national team
“This, remember, is the world’s biggest 50-over tournament in cricket’s richest nation. If fielders can’t dive for the ball, safe in the knowledge they will be able to stand up again, then our sport has a problem.”
Lawrence Booth says Dharamshala’s treacheorous outfield is putting careers at risk
“Alastair Cook of course is a relic, a museum piece. The last of his kind. No current player will get near to his 74 first-class hundreds. The game has moved on, past the model, to something slicker and uglier.”
Phil Walker on the retirement of Alastair Cook
“What I felt with cricket was the tension between really feeling a lot of anxiety and stress around doing it, whilst knowing deep down that it didn’t really matter, or that there was no need to feel that.”
Zafar Ansari talks to Taha Hashim about his complex relationship with the game he retired from at the age of 25
“I would say cricket to a degree pushed us apart because it became a divisive thing. I was struggling and didn’t really want to open up. But in the last three or four years I’d say the game has brought us closer than ever because I’ve dropped that wall.”
Keaton Jennings on his relationship with his father, Ray, the former South African wicketkeeper
“When I was trialling at various places there were times where I really felt like an outsider and it is hard when you feel like everyone is judging you. You can feel vulnerable and low on confidence. SACA gave me a voice and made me feel like I belong. If I’m sitting in a team meeting now, I feel comfortable to have a say. I feel like I don’t have to be shy, I don’t have to be scared.”
Worcestershire’s Kashif Ali speaks to James Wallace about the South Asian Cricket Academy, the pioneering programme which changed his life
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