Arshdeep learns from Siraj to enjoy downtime ahead of Asia Cup

Arshdeep Singh said he has turned a frustrating run on the sidelines into a learning opportunity, crediting team-mate Mohammed Siraj for teaching him how to "enjoy the boring time" as he prepares to switch back to white ball cricket for the Asia Cup in the United Arab Emirates next month. The 26 year old left arm quick, who missed a likely Test debut after suffering a left thumb impact injury on England duty, is back playing in the Duleep Trophy and is expected to be part of India’s pace attack in the continental tournament that begins September 9.

Arshdeep, who spent much of the five match Test series in England without a game, said the experience of training alongside senior pacers taught him to value the quieter sessions in red ball cricket. He said on the sidelines of the Duleep Trophy that Siraj told him how enjoying dormant phases, such as the session after lunch when the ball "does not do anything," is an indicator of long term success in Test cricket. "He gave me this small tip and I really liked it," Arshdeep said, adding that the advice helped him stay mentally engaged while waiting for opportunities.

The left armer was ruled out of the fourth Test at Old Trafford...