Adil Rashid credits Shane Warne and Jason Gillespie for his England success
England leg-spinner Adil Rashid has credited the Australian duo of Shane Warne and Jason Gillespie for a remarkable turnaround in fortunes that has seen him feature in all of England's last 22 one-day internationals after being out of the national side for a period of six years prior to the 2015 ICC World Cup.
Rashid has not just held on to his place as a member of the playing eleven, he has surpassed expectations and is now a vital member of Eoin Morgan’s rejuvenated England side that has adopted a highly aggressive approach to the shorter formats of the game with much success since the horrendous showing at the World Cup last year which saw them knocked out at the group stages itself.
While England and Australia may be the biggest enemies on-field, off it the former players have from either side have been helping each others in more ways than one but Rashid’s success story is perhaps the standout one. The 28-year-old feels input from Warne, arguably the greatest leg-spinner of all time and Gillespie, who has been First team coach of Rashid’s county side Yorkshire since 2011, have played a large part in his improvement as a bowler.
"Jason (Gillespie) is a high-quality coach, who has played for Australia, so he has got a lot of experience," said Rashid, who will link up with Gillespie once again for Adelaide Strikers in the next edition of Australia’s Big Bash League. "The way he talks to me helps, so it is good to have him there as well."
Talking about Warne, who had a lengthy practice session with Rashid prior to the third Test against Pakistan in Sharjah in November and spoke to him again before the first ODI against Sri Lanka at Trent Bridge, the Yorkshireman added: "It was just before the (first ODI) at Notts - I had a general chat with him about leg-spin. He gives his tips which were helpful."
The tips have certainly helped as Rashid has bowled miserly in the two ODIs against Sri Lanka so far giving away just 70 runs in his twenty overs picking up two wickets. No matter how much advice one gets, it’s up to the individual to deliver on the field and Rashid is mindful of not getting his success over the past year get to his head.
"It can be good (having someone like that rate you)," said Rashid ahead of Sunday's third ODI in Bristol. "But you can get a lot of people rating you. It is up to the individual to not let that get to his head and keep concentrating on what is in front of him.
"It has been a good 12 months for me, especially with the white ball. Every series that has gone by, I have looked to improve and gain experience as well and got more confident. I am getting better mentally, and with my skills, but you can always have a bad day or a bad game or series - so it is being strong in the mind," he said.