Ali is not a front line bowler/spinner unless you think averaging 40 with the ball is enough to be the sole spinner on a deck expected to be dry. A front line spinner could be usefull, though wish it wasn't Rashid
Well this just isn't the full story. Moeen averages 39, Rashid averages 41. So because one isn't good enough, you play two duds? Strange logic Parra.
But, Moeen averages 31.6 in England. Moeen has taken 106/142 wickets at home, that's 74% of his wicket. And yes, this is good enough to be the sole front-line spinner and 5th bowler after his return last test. It is more than what is needed. Moeen did well in his test back because of the footmarks to right handers (helped by England having so many lhb and Sharma bowling around the wicket so often). That isn't going to offer a leggie anything! Sure a leftie could bat, but Rashid struggles to put revs on the ball and Dhawan is likely to tonk him. The new ball is better used with the swing bowlers.
Now what has Rashid done? Averaged 32.4 this series? No real runs to think of in the winning games (though he wagged a bit in the lost test).
Last test, Root clearly favoured Moeen over Rashid before Moeen started bagging victims. Root has begrudgingly bowled Rashid for most the series when he was the 5th option. Since Moeen's return, Rashid is the 6th option!
Now if they're wanting to keep Rashid warm for Sri Lanka, that's one thing. But say that is what they're doing, and besides, I think Lankans will get the better of him like most do.
Besides, doing what SA still do (bar Maharaj) and the great WI did is still an option, when you don't have the spinners nor the runs in the batting, don't pretend that you do. Just play your best team, without 2, 3 or even any spinners. SA dropped Shamsi heading into a dustbowl!
Rashid has been a passenger all series. But unlike those contributing big time to England wins - he gets a full series?!