Siva gave inputs to Rashid at Chepauk

Siva gave inputs to Rashid at Chepauk

The leg-spin of Adil Rashid is probably one of the few positives England would have taken away from their India sojourn. Rashid is third on the leading wicket-takers list in the series with 23 scalps in eight innings behind India's R Ashwin (28 wickets) and R Jadeja (26 wickets).

The 28-year-old Rashid analysed his progress as a Test spinner with former India leggie L Sivaramakrishnanduring the final Test at Chepauk. The two were involved in a discussion along with former India left-arm spinner Murali Kartik. Siva was seen telling Rashid 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.