Adil Rashid unconcerned by plaudits as he spearheads England’s revival against India in third Test
England leg-spinner Adil Rashid played down his wicket-taking achievements after spearheading the tourists' fightback on day two of the third Test against India in Mohali.
Rashid claimed three wickets as England reduced India to 271-6 at the close, having seen the hosts advance to a position of strength at 148-2 after their own innings had been smartly wrapped up for 283 in the morning.
The 28-year-old now has 16 scalps in the series, the leading wicket-taker on either side, while only two visiting leg-spinners – Pakistan’s Danish Kaneria and the late Richie Benaud of Australia – have taken more in India.
He has taken more wickets in a series in India than Australia great Shane Warne ever managed, not that Rashid, who has often faced questions about his suitability for Test cricket, is seeking acclaim.
“I don’t really look to get any praise from anybody,” said Rashid. “I just look to keep my head down and concentrate in practice. Obviously, I go out there and give it 100 per cent. If wickets come, they come. If they don’t, then no big deal.
Despite all-rounders Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja sharing an unbroken stand of 67 ahead of the close, Rashid believes England are on solid ground as they bid to level the five-match series at 1-1.
“We’d take take 270-6 at the beginning of the day,” added Rashid. “Yes, they got a little partnership, but that happens in cricket.”
England were indebted to two outstanding pieces of fielding; the first a stunning diving catch from Chris Woakes to dismiss dangerman Cheteshwar Pujara for 51 following an indifferent short ball from Rashid.
Then after Rashid had removed Ajinkya Rahane lbw, the recalled Jos Buttler superbly ran out debutant Karun Nair. Skipper Virat Kohli top scored for India with 62 before falling to Ben Stokes, although Ashwin had chalked up 57 by the close.