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'Adil Rashid is getting better with every Test match for England'

Adil Rashid celebrates his late wicket of Murali Vijay in Rajkot
Image: Adil Rashid celebrates his late wicket of Murali Vijay in Rajkot

Sir Ian Botham is backing England's Adil Rashid to continue to torment India's batsmen in the second Test, starting on Thursday, live on Sky Sports.

The leg-spinner took seven-wickets in the opener in Rajkot and according to the England legend "out bowled everyone" including world No 1 Ravi Ashwin as India held out for a draw.

Rashid has previously struggled to force his way into England's Test side but Botham believes the 28-year-old has cemented his place in the team for the reminder of the five-match series.

The Sky Sports commentator said: "Everyone grows up and adapts to Test cricket and Adil is learning all the time and getting better with every match.

"He out-bowled everyone in the first Test and showed just what a good bowler he can be."

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England spinner Adil Rashid has heaped praise on spin coach Saqlain Mushtaq

Botham feels the Yorkshire star has reaped the benefits of working closely with spin-bowling consultant Saqlain Mushtaq in the last six months.

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England confirmed on Monday that the former Pakistan off-spin bowler, who was originally due to leave after the first Test, will stay with England team until after the third Test in Mohali.

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The former England captain insists Saqlain's contribution to England's impressive performance in Rajkot - and particularly that of Rashid - cannot be underestimated.

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Rashid's confidence has blossomed during Saqlain's two brief spells with the England side and Botham admits he would be very keen to see the bowling coach extend his stay with Alastair Cook's side.

"I think he [Rashid] has benefited from Saqlain's coaching enormously," explained Botham, who is tipping the leg-spinner at 3/1 with Sky Bet to be England's top 1st innings wicket-taker at Visakhapatnam.

"They've got batting coaches, fielding coaches, bowling coaches but one of the most important coaches of all in these conditions in India is a spin bowling coach, and he's going home after the third Test. "

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England rallied strongly in Rajkot after their Dhaka debacle so what can we expect in Vizag? Watch the second Test from 3.30am, Thursday, on Sky Sports 2.

Botham, who also tipped England to repeat their series win of 2012/13 at 12/1 before the first Test, has seen the price cut to 7/1 by Sky Bet after their display in the series opener.

India remain strong 8/13 favourites to edge ahead in the first-ever Test at Vizag but the Beefy is sticking with England at 11/4 to take a 1-0 lead.

"If England can win the toss there's no reason why they can't win the match," added the Sky Bet tipster.

"They showed everyone they can compete with India and outplayed them for long periods so I'm sticking with England."

Test Cricket: The Verdict

Botham tipped Ben Stokes to be England's top series run scorer and the Durham all-rounder responded with knocks of 128 and 29 not out in the first Test.

He added: "Alastair Cook and Joe Root are the obvious choices but Ben is great value for me, he's in great form as he showed in the first Test and is worth a punt at 13/2."

Watch the second Test between India and England live on Sky Sports 2 from 3.30am on Thursday or follow over-by-over commentary, including in-play video clips of all the key moments, on our live blog across selected digital platforms.

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