Bowling coach Morne Morkel conceded that Indian bowlers are struggling to make an impact in the ongoing penultimate Test against England at Old Trafford, but felt featuring in a five-match Test series right after two months of IPL was always going to be a tough task.
Morkel came to address the media after India’s dismal bowling display on Day 3 in Manchester, which allowed England to end the day on a commanding 544/7 in reply to visitors’ first innings score of 358.
Joe Root stole the show with a majestic 150 while four others, including captain Ben Stokes (77 not out), slammed half-centuries.
For India, spin-bowling all-rounders Washington Sundar (2/57) and Ravindra Jadeja (2/117) returned with a couple of scalps each while the pace trio of Jasprit Bumrah (1/95), Mohammed Siraj (1/113) and debutant Anshul Kamboj (1/89) claimed wicket apiece.
“It’s a real test. We play three Test match series a lot and this is now our first time in a while we’ve done this with five. It shouldn’t be excused, but in terms of conditioning, getting our guys conditioned and getting them ready for five Test series coming straight up after IPL, is sometimes an issue,” Morkel said in the post-day presser.
However, the former South African pacer added that the Indians bowled a lot better on Day 3 than they did on Thursday, when England had raced to 225/2 at stumps following a 166-run opening stand between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett.
“Much better today with the ball. I thought yesterday was a tough day for us in the office. We missed our lines, putting us slightly on the back foot, but I thought the way the boys responded this morning, especially Siraj and Bumrah with the ball, was good to see.
“And yeah, from there, you know, we tried our best with trying to create opportunities on a wicket played better than the first couple of days. Discipline and holding those lines were key. And that was something I think we missed on day one,” he remarked.
Morkel also confirmed that Bumrah and Siraj suffered injury scares during the third day’s play, but were ultimately fine.
“Yeah, unfortunately, when we took the second new ball, Booms rolled his ankles going down the stairs. And then Siraj also, I think, rolled his foot in one of the footholds. But they seemed to be okay,” he continued.
Commenting on Kamboj, who clocked underwhelming speeds under 125kmph at Old Trafford, Morkel said it was a learning curve for the 24-year-old debutant.
“Unfortunately, there’s no place to hide. And, you know, we support him as best as we can, through conversations. But it’s also for him, it’s good learning.
“And I think everybody in the dressing room is constantly telling him to keep going and supporting him. That’s part of international cricket, it’s good to get a taste for it and know, moving forward, what he needs to do to play at this level.
“So, you know, it’s through good conversations and just keep on supporting him. He can definitely bowl quicker,” Morkel stated.
