India v England: Relaxed approach paying dividend for tourists, says Adil Rashid

Adil Rashid believes a 'more relaxed' approach is paying dividends for England as they moved into a position to push for a Test victory over India in Rajkot.

England bowled India out for 488 in the morning before an unbeaten stand of 114 between openers Alastair Cook and debutant Haseeb Hameed gave the tourists a 163-run lead heading into the final day.

Adil Rashid, left, celebrates the wicket of Indian batsman Ravindra Jadeja with Haseeb Hameed (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)placeholder image
Adil Rashid, left, celebrates the wicket of Indian batsman Ravindra Jadeja with Haseeb Hameed (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

“I think we’re more relaxed and focused. If it comes out well, or if it doesn’t, at least you’ve got the right mindset,” bowler Rashid told Sky Sports 2.

“We’ve got to come back tomorrow morning and concentrate on getting the runs on the board and having a good session, then see where we’re at.

“If we’re in a good position then we can put the pressure on them.

“We’ve got to believe that we can do that.”

On 19-year-old batsman Hameed, who made a stylish 62 alongside captain Cook’s 46, leg-spinner Rashid added: “He’s a quiet boy but he works very hard on his game in the nets.

“He’s very organised and has a good temperament - he showed that today.”

Rashid, 28, has taken four wickets so far during this first Test and agrees he has played some of his best cricket for England this week.

“I’d probably say it was my most consistent,” said the Yorkshireman. “I felt confident and it was coming out of my hand fairly nicely. It felt quite good today.”

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