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Adil Rashid could play in Ashes opener, says Michael Atherton

Rashid and Steven Finn added to England Ashes squad...

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Adil Rashid gives his thoughts on being included in the England squad ahead of the 1st Ashes test on July 8.

Michael Atherton thinks Adil Rashid's inclusion in the Ashes squad gives England more options for the series.

England included the same 11 players that played in their last Test against New Zealand, plus Rashid and a return to the squad for Steven Finn.

New England coach Trevor Bayliss has said Moeen is currently first choice, but Atherton believes Rashid might be an option as a second spinner in the first Investec Ashes Test at Cardiff..

"It's no great surprise Rashid was picked, it makes sense to have more options," said Atherton. "With this unbelievable hot and dry weather we're having, you might get two spinners at Cardiff.

"England played two spinners in fact the last time they played Australia at Cardiff and with Rashid there, they have that option.

"Trevor Bayliss has said he impressed him in the one-day series and Australians like wrist spinners of course, bowlers that can send it both ways and keep the batsmen guessing.

"We're guessing what the conditions will offer in Cardiff but there is a chance the pitch will be dry down there."

More from The Ashes 2015

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Trevor Bayliss has announced his first England squad ahead of the 1st Ashes Test on July 8.

England's squad announcement was the first time the media have been formally introduced to their new head coach, Australian Bayliss, and Atherton's initial impression was a positive one.

"He seemed down to earth, nice and relaxed," added Atherton. "He's not making any great promises about what he can do as a coach, which I think is the right thing. It's down to the players ultimately.

"The players have to make decisions on the field, and be responsible for their performances and their careers.

"Bayliss will try to create an environment to allow them to do that, but he's no miracle worker."

The Ashes

If England are going to have success in the Ashes, Atherton believes it is important the Test side takes on the positive approach adopted by the one-day side in the 3-2 series win over New Zealand.

"Bayliss watched the one-day series, he was impressed with the manner in which England played, the style of cricket they played and the way Eoin Morgan led his youthful, vibrant, one-day side," said Atherton.

"The hope from everybody is that the mood carries over to the Test team. I think that's the way England will look to play under Bayliss.

"He was very clear that Test cricket has moved on and that the influence of one-day and Twenty20 cricket is there in Test cricket and maybe England have been a bit behind the curve on that.

"His aim is to one, get up to speed with English cricket, and then get English cricket up to speed with the rest of the world."

Watch the first Ashes Test between England and Australia, which gets underway on July 8. Coverage begins on the Sky Sports Ashes channel at 10am.

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