Bowling coach Morne Morkel showered rich praise on the Indian fast bowlers for standing tall in Jasprit Bumrah’s absence and helping the visitors gain a massive first innings lead during the second Test against England at Edgbaston.

Mohammed Siraj (6/70) and Akash Deep (4/88), who replaced a rested Bumrah, complemented each other perfectly to bundle out England for 407 in reply to India’s first innings total of 587.

Siraj and Akash had reduced England to 84/5 at one stage before a stunning 303-run stand between Harry Brook (158) and Jamie Smith (184*) brought the hosts back into the game. Still, Akash broke marathon partnership by removing Brook while Siraj returned with the second new ball to wipe out the tail.

The pace duo struck thrice with the new ball as India tightened their grip on the second Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, leaving England at 72/3 at stumps on Day 4 in their chase of an improbable 608-run target.

“Very happy so far (with the performance of pacers). We had some good discussions after the last game. It is a pleasing sign (show in Bumrah’s absence). Akash Deep is an attacking bowler, asking questions on the stumps.

“The England conditions suit him. He is running in at high pace and that is a good sign. The more confidence you give him the better he gets,” Morkel said during the press conference after close of play.

The Indian bowling coach further described Siraj as someone who wore his heart on his sleeve and did the ‘dirty work for the team’ more often than not.

“Siraj he is a guy that I have lot of respect for. He pushes his body to the limit. He can try too hard at times and that can make you inconsistent. But he really puts his heart on his sleeve. He does the dirty job for the team and that doesn’t reflect in the wickets column at times,” Morkel added.

Morne Morkel was also effusive in praise of captain Shubman Gill, who followed up his majestic 269 in the first innings with a dazzling 161 in the second essay.

“We are not really worried. If you score 500 plus you deserve to win. Wanted to get an hour of bowling today with day five round the corner. It is going to be an exciting day of cricket. England have got success playing that style of cricket. If they are happy to take it on (so be it).

“Very happy for Shubman. As captain on a big tour, coming to England, he has handled the expectations very well so far,” Morkel remarked.

India look favourite to level the series 1-1 heading into the third Test at Lord’s. England, on the other hand, will likely be playing for a draw on the final day as they need 536 more runs to win the game.