Adil Rashid is growing in confidence as a Test cricketer, with the leg-spinner putting his promising performance in India’s first innings down to both the increased level of comfort he is feeling in the setup and the work he has done to improve.
While Rashid claimed a maiden five‑wicket haul on his debut against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates last winter, the four for 114 he claimed from 31 overs on a flat pitch, against the world’s No1 side, felt his most accomplished showing to date, with more control, fewer bad balls and a greater threat than previously seen.
The 28-year-old Yorkshireman, playing in his sixth Test and under pressure following a frustrating return during the series with Bangladesh, said he has benefited from the time spent with England’s temporary spin-bowling coaching consultant, Saqlain Mushtaq, on this tour.
“It was the most consistent I’ve bowled. I felt confident and it came out of the hand nicely,” said Rashid. “I’ve been working hard in the nets with Saqlain Mushtaq. He is not trying to do anything technical with me – just getting me more relaxed and focused.
“I felt quite good today. It’s from a lot of hard work in the nets and then executing those skills in the middle, assessing the pitch, knowing the pace at which to bowl, the lengths, the lines and the field settings. The more you play, the more comfortable you feel.”
Among Rashid’s haul was the key scalp of Virat Kohli for 40 when he knocked the stumps with the back of his heel for a rare hit-wicket dismissal, becoming the second India captain removed in this fashion, after Lala Amarnath against West Indies in Madras (now Chennai) in 1949.
Asked about the freak moment, Rashid smiled and said: “I noticed it first when Jonny Bairstow pointed to the stumps. Virat was in shock. It was a pretty good feeling. That was the first time I have got a wicket that way.”
Rashid was also happy to talk up the impression made by Haseeb Hameed after the debutant opener’s unbeaten 62 in the final session of the day. After watching him compile a centuries in both innings of last summer’s Roses match at Old Trafford, he expected this kind of impact from the 19-year-old Lancastrian. Rashid said: “He’s been very good. He’s got a good head, he’s a clever and solid boy, works hard in the nets and a great talent. He showed that today and hopefully he can carry that on.
“He’s very calm, he’s a very organised cricketer as well and he’s got a good sense of humour. He’s fitted very well into the dressing room and hopefully he can carry that on for many more years to come.
“I first saw him play in the Roses match. He played seam exceptionally well and also spin very well too, using his feet. So I wasn’t surprised at all how he came out and played here. He works hard, is very clued up and to see him get the runs here is a good feeling.”
