Rashid is still developing as a leg-spinner in the longer format: Laxman Sivaramakrishnan

England’s leg-spinner Adil Rashid had the opportunity to spend some time with former Indian leg-spinner Laxman Sivaramakrishnan during the Chennai Test which concluded a few days ago. The discussion also involved former India left-arm spinner Murali Kartik as Rashid tried analysing his bowling developments

Siva was seen telling Rashid, a product of the consistent limited-overs cricket, a few things about his delivery stride, field placements and on his grip. Siva, later revealed TOI, that Rashid approached him for a “feedback” on his progression.

“He has been basically a limited-overs cricketer. He just wanted some feedback on how he has progressed. He is a improved bowler, which is good for England. He is not getting his delivery hurrying through his delivery stride. He is developing as a leg-spinner in the longer format of the game,” Siva said.

Siva said he was talking to Rashid, who has played 10 Tests, on specific field placements that would help him bowl longer spells. “In Tests, it’s about bowling long spells. You have to be accurate, and plan a batsman out. If a fast bowler can have a man at deep point for cut, why not a spinner? He can also have a guy at the boundary and cut boundaries. His close-in fielders would be slip, short extra cover (for leg-spinning deliveries) and a forward short-leg (for googly). If he can have a deep point and deep midwicket to cut boundaries on either sides then he can bowl longer spells,” said Siva.

Rashid has got a lifetime of an experience bowling in the Indian conditions and is is probably one of the few positives England would have taken away after the end of the Test series. With 23 scalps in eight innings, the 28-year-old finished third on the leading wicket-takers list in the series behind India’s Ravichandran Ashwin (28 wickets) and Ravindra Jadeja (26 wickets).

The England team has flown back to their home for Christmas and New Year celebrations and will be back in January to play the Limited overs leg of the Indian tour.