Legend Warne is backing Yorkshire’s Rashid to come good in England’s cause
Rashid’s record after two matches features one five-wicket haul but an overall 7-418 – an average of almost 60 – against Pakistan.
The 27-year-old’s early strides in Test cricket are as notable perhaps for his defiant maiden half-century in Dubai as England tried in vain to save the second Test.
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Hide AdWarne, however, predicts improvement from the Yorkshireman and knows from personal experience that initial difficulties can be overcome by an aspiring international leg-spinner.
The Australian, undoubtedly the greatest exponent of the craft, went on to take 708 Test wickets after recording figures of 1-150 on debut against India in Sydney.
Rashid has not been helped by having to bowl first twice, after Alastair Cook lost the toss in the first two Tests.
Warne said: “I had to learn. It’s all the subtleties of a leg-spinner, patience, changing position on the crease, not bowling the same ball twice, don’t attack too much with the field, basically try to tie up an end – especially here where it’s so hot, so the quicks can rotate.”
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Hide AdRashid took advantage of being able to bowl on the final day in Abu Dhabi, with that maiden five-wicket haul. In Dubai, he was outbowled by Pakistan leg-spinner Yasir Shah and the pair look set to have key roles in the final Test in Sharjah on Sunday.