Tuesday 2 February 2016 11:50, UK
Adil Rashid believes a stint in the Big Bash League has made him a better bowler as he prepares for his England return.
The Yorkshire all-rounder was one of the stars of the Twenty20 tournament in Australia, where he finished second on the list of wicket-takers with 16 as he helped the Adelaide Strikers reach the semi-finals.
His consistent performances, which saw him concede runs at only 6.51 per over and take a wicket every 13 balls, were also good enough to see him named in the team of the tournament and finish second to Chris Lynn in voting for player of the tournament.
Rashid was a surprise omission from England's Test squad for the series against South Africa, with Moeen Ali dropping down the batting order and taking on the majority of the slow-bowling responsibilities.
But the 27-year-old returns to the international fold for five one-day internationals against The Proteas, with the first of those taking place on Wednesday in Bloemfontein.
"It was a good decision to play in a big competition as opposed to being here and maybe not getting any match practice," Rashid said.
"It was a chance to play against different players in different conditions, and playing in front of 50,000 was a great experience.
"In Australia, you learn to bowl on different pitches at bigger grounds and with different fields. Everything is new so you have to adapt, and wherever you go that experience helps in how to bowl on any day.
"Over the years I've learnt I have to mix it up a lot more as a bowler, especially in one-day and Twenty20 cricket. I must have variations - googlies, sliders whatever it is to get wickets."
