Adil Rashid: England must find a way to overcome World Cup dew factor

NICK HOWSON: With four of their five group matches scheduled at night when moist outfields are expected, the Yorkshire legspinner says the 50-over world champions must prepare properly

Adil Rashid has urged England to be wary of the impact of dew ahead of the start of their men's T20 World Cup campaign.

The legspinner warmed up for the opening game against West Indies on Saturday (October 23) with 3 for 18 in a 13-run win over New Zealand in an afternoon game at the Tolerance Oval.

Four of England's five group matches will be played at night in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, including this weekend's clash with the defending champions.

Dew, when moisture forms on the outfield due to the temperature difference between the air and the ground, is expected to dominate the second half of matches as it did during the Indian Premier League.

Thirteen of the last 16 evening matches in the franchise competition were won by the team chasing when conditions were at their worst for gripping the ball and keeping it dry.

Rashid has a T20 economy rate of 5.87 from eight overs in the UAE and says England must be prepared for all eventualities.

"We've seen it over a period and in the IPL and over here when they do play in the evenings it can get a bit dewy," he said.

"You've got to find a way though, you can't hide behind it whether you're spin or seam.

"You've got to find a way to overcome that and find a way to bowl in those situations because that will happen.

"It is mostly about practicing in the nets so when it comes to the game it is much easier for the individual to know that it is a wet ball and I know what I can do. 

"It doesn't mean you're necessarily going to nail your skills but it gives you a better chance."

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