Bangladesh v England: Adil Rashid talks first Test win and answers your Twitter questions
Wednesday 26 October 2016 13:30, UK
In his latest blog for Sky Sports, Adil Rashid reflects on England's dramatic first Test win over Bangladesh, and answers your Twitter questions...
We always believed we could win the first Test. We played good cricket throughout the game, in difficult conditions, and so to get over line in dramatic fashion at the end and get the win was hugely pleasing.
Ben Stokes had an unbelievable game. He is the best allrounder in the world right now in my opinion. He always gives 100 per cent, with bat or ball, and he is a match-winner, as he showed in this Test.
Alastair Cook equals the record for most Tests as England captain this week in the second Test. What a great achievement. To reach that milestone, Cooky has had to show great mental strength and determination. He has been great for English cricket, and hopefully there's still many more years to come.
Right, on to your Twitter questions...
Who is your favourite captain you've played under?
I've played under some good ones, so it's pretty difficult to say. There's Cooky obviously, plus Eoin Morgan, and Andrew Gale at Yorkshire. All three are good in their own ways, and have their own methods.
What is the secret to getting wickets in tough Bangladesh conditions?
There's no real secret. It's just about being positive that you're going to take wickets out here, having that good mindset. You've got to be confident, particularly with your variations; you can't be afraid to bowl them.
Is it still an ambition of yours to ultimately become England's No 1 spinner?
I'm just striving to be the best I can. I don't pay attention to who is considered No 1 or No 2. That stuff will take care of itself in the future. My job is just to try to take as many wickets as possible; have that confidence and belief, and enjoy my bowling.
Whose beard is better, yours or Moeen Ali's?
It depends. His is bigger, but shape wise, I might just shade it. Overall though, at the moment he might just have me covered. I need mine to get a bit longer before I can give him a proper contest.
Who is the worst at FIFA in the squad?
Of the regulars that play, Stokes is probably the worst. He is performing on the cricket field right now, but not enjoying quite the same success in FIFA. As for the best, Sam Billings still fancies himself as top dog, with Jos Buttler and Stuart Broad challenging him.
If you ever got into a fist fight, which of the England team would you want on your side?
He might not be great at FIFA, but probably Stokes. You'd want him on your side for sure. Also from the one-day squad, Jason Roy is a strong boy.
Who has impressed you most out of the Bangladesh team?
Imrul Kayes has really impressed me, in the ODIs and the Tests, plus two of their debutants, Sabbir Rahman and Mehedi Hasan. The young off-spinner, Mehedi, bowled brilliantly in Chittagong, and Sabbir was unlucky not to get his team over the line with his half century in the run chase. Sadly, that's just the way it goes in Test cricket, you can play a top innings but come out on the losing side.
Just how bad is the heat in Bangladesh?
When we first got here, it was brutal. Very bad. It was so hot and humid, like nothing I've experienced before. It was a struggle at first, but now I feel like we're getting used to it, and thriving in it; we're enjoying the challenge.
What is your favourite ground to play at?
Obviously Lord's is special, with all the history surrounding it. I also enjoy playing at Edgbaston; they always have a big crowd in there and generate a good atmosphere. Further from home, Eden Gardens was amazing in the World T20 final this year, and the Adelaide Oval is brilliant too - I was there in the Big Bash with the Strikers and the atmosphere was incredible.
Who has been your favourite wicket in Tests, ODIs or T20s?
It would have to be Younus Khan. He was my first Test wicket, and knowing that he has scored so many runs, and hundreds in Test cricket, that was a big achievement. AB de Villiers is always a big scalp in one-day cricket; he's the best around. And David Warner is another dangerous player, and a wicket I enjoy taking.
Who has had the biggest influence in your career?
My Dad. Certainly as a youngster. Then there's plenty of coaches who have had a big influence on me - the likes of Terry Jenner, Martyn Moxon, Ottis Gibson. Plus, there's Saqlain Mushtaq, and Mushtaq Ahmed. It's not a bad list!
As a leg-spinner, how do you bowl slightly quicker?
You've got to use your run-up, have a nice rhythm to it. And use your whole body; your shoulder, your hips, and really put that energy into your release as well, with a strong flick of the wrists.
What's the best advice you can give to a young spinner stepping up to a higher level of cricket?
Bowl how you feel comfortable bowling, what has brought you success in the past. The game is still the same when you go up a level. You can't suddenly become afraid of being hit for sixes, or change your game plan. That's part of cricket. Just stay positive and bowl the same way.
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