BRADFORD’S Adil Rashid looked every inch an England cricketer during Yorkshire’s Emirates Airline T20 success in Dubai today, according to winning captain Alex Lees.

The in-form all-rounder enjoyed a memorable day with the ball, highlighted by an exceptional 4-16 from four overs in the final mauling of defending champions Sussex.

Rashid celebrated this week’s Test call-up for the forthcoming West Indies tour with six wickets in two matches, including 2-18 during the morning semi-final win over Lancashire.

Yorkshire beat Lancashire by 21 runs. Jonny Bairstow underpinned a total of 159-5 with 54 before the Red Rose slipped from 77-1 in the tenth over and could only manage 138-7.

The Vikings were then reduced to 10-3 after two overs of the final before an exhilarating fifth-wicket stand of 99 between opener Andrew Hodd and Jack Leaning turned the game on its head.

Hodd finished unbeaten with 79 and Leaning 51 not out in a total of 176-4. Sussex did not get near thanks largely to Rashid’s brilliance. They were bowled out for 102, signalling a 74-run win for the White Rose.

“We were very clinical all day. We were on the money with our bowling in both matches,” said Lees, who stood in for the injured Andrew Gale.

“Hoddy and Jack pulled us out of a hole at 10-3 in that second game, and Hoddy was outstanding with 70-odd not out. We obviously backed it up in the field.

“There’s a special mention for Adil, who was exceptional for his 4-16.

“Leg-spin is a hard art, particularly in T20 cricket, and he showed what good form he’s in.

“He showed exactly why he’s been picked for England out there. He showed all the variations. He showed his confidence, and when he gets it right, I don’t think there’s a better spinner in the country.

“I don’t know what England’s plans are yet, so couldn’t say whether he will definitely start but, if selected, he will do a good job.

“He’s also a very talented batsman. I’m sure over the last couple of years he’d be averaging close to 40 with that bat, and when those two elements are combined, he’s a pretty good bet.”

This was the perfect way to prepare for Sunday’s champion county match against the MCC in Abu Dhabi (10am UK).