When you’re seeking to become a master of your art, there’s no better way to learn than from the very best – and for spin bowling right now, that means looking to India.

Virat Kohli’s team are comfortably ranked as the best Test side in the world, thanks in large part to the efforts of Ravindra Jadeja (number two in the ICC Test bowling rankings) and Ravichandran Ashwin (number four).

Following in the footsteps of a rich history of Indian spinners, the pair have bowled with deadly effect during 2017 and have made the most of operating on spin-friendly pitches that are frequently in evidence in the sub-continent.

“I will be bowling in conditions that are a long way removed from what I am used to.”

It’s why Academy prospect Connor Marshall, a talented leg spinner, knows that flying out to Mumbai in January for a three-week stint on a spin bowling programme is the ideal way to broaden his horizons ahead of the start of the 2018 season.

“It’s not just learning from their coaches and observing players, but the fact I will be bowling in conditions that are a long way removed from what I am used to, both in terms of pitches and the heat out there,” said Marshall.

“I sat down with (second team coach) Ant Botha and we discussed what would be a good way of developing as a cricketer this winter, and going to India as a spin bowler is probably the hardest way you can test yourself.

“My bowling is still a work in progress and this year I’ve been working a lot on variations and they are getting better. I think going out there will help with that process.

“I’ve been out to India before in 2012 and I’ve also played in Christchurch, New Zealand for Lancaster Park. I think playing abroad really helps with your development.”

Still only 19, Marshall already knows that in the modern cricket landscape means it’s important to have more than one string to your bow.

As a consequence, he places just as much emphasis on his batting with which he became increasingly assured throughout the 2017 season, making valuable contributions for both Second XI and the Academy side in the Nottinghamshire Premier League.

“Away from playing, coaching and the journalism are two things that appealed to me.”

Off the field, he’s taken a level 2 coaching course and studied for a Diploma in Journalism Studies, with encouragement from the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) in a bid to look to his future beyond the crease.

Marshall said: “I have shown this summer that I can bat at second team level and have helped to change some games – I’ve been really pleased to do that – and I want to build on that and develop more over the next few months.

“Away from playing, the PCA, through our rep Lynsey Williams, have encouraged us to get involved with opportunities to try other things – and the coaching and the journalism are two things that appealed to me.

“I’ve done some work experience with the Nottingham Post, which I’ve enjoyed, and it’s good to get some qualifications under my belt.”

Marshall was first asked to play for Nottinghamshire’s age group sides – and then progressed onto the Academy – after impressive performances for Radcliffe-on-Trent, where he played from the age of eight.

With the Club no longer entering a Academy team in the Premier League next season, the teenager is looking forward to playing for old team at the weekends.

Academy fixtures will also be arranged by Notts, so that players get the right level of cricket against sides of equal ability.

“If you want to make it to first team level, you have to show you can perform consistently.”

“It looks like I will be pretty much available for the whole season for Radcliffe, so it will be nice to go back there, where I have a lot of good memories, and get stuck in,” said Marshall.

“Like other Academy players at club level, there is going to be a pressure and expectation on us to perform, but I think that’s a good thing and something you have to embrace.

“If you want to make it to first team level, you have to show you can perform consistently and in pressure situations when it really matters.”

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