“To see England have a leg-spinner, I’m sure that’ll help Alastair Cook’s captaincy, help him have a bit more imagination”, he said.
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He spent a few of his time in the Pakistani camp and provided players with a few legendary tips.
Yasir said he had realised a dream by spending time with Warne and benefiting from his words of wisdom.
That’s precisely why Warne was more than happy to help Yasir ahead of Pakistan’s third and final Test against England that begins in Sharjah from November 1.
Warne, in the United Arab Emirates on other business, has been even-handed with his advice and compliments for the leg-spinners on either side in a series the hosts lead 1-0 with one to play. It is as good a leg-break that you can possibly see.
The Australian spinner said he is keen to have nets before the matches in the US.
Warne’s offer to assist Rashid was a radical departure from his former life as one of English cricket’s most notorious adversaries. “I think it will be great if Yasir and Rashid are right up there in the rankings, that would put a big smile on my face”.
Warne has regularly stated in the past that legspinners need careful management by their captains, both in terms of tactics and the timings of their spells, and after greeting Cook with a warm handshake, the four men all gathered together to talk through the challenges of the art.
They will have to do so without Mark Wood, who sat out practice and will be rested as England try to manage his ankle condition – while it seems Jonny Bairstow is nearly certain to replace the out-of-form Jos Buttler as wicketkeeper.
“He has a lovely leg-break as well (as Yasir)”.
Adil Rashid recently became the first England leg-spinner to take a five-wicket Test haul since 1959 – join him as he explains the art of wrist spin to Phil Tufnell.
Warne, who claimed 708 Test wickets throughout an illustrious career, added: “I think Yasir is a real hustle and bustle leg-spinner. To me, he just needs to be a little more patient and toil away”. “About 18 months ago Cooky and I chatted on phone and had it out”. I say it the way I see it. It’s my job as a commentator to do that. From what I have seen of this Test match, he has got all the toys, I just think he gets a little impatient. The spinner must have the field he wants and a plan of how to get the batsman out.
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England need to win the third Test to avoid a series defeat.
