Morne Morkel, former South Africa pacer and current Team India bowling coach, couldn’t resist himself bowling a few overs as India batters prepped for the second Test against New Zealand.
The second Test will be played in Pune’s MCA Stadium from October 24 onwards and will see Rohit and co. trying to win the match to draw level in the three-Test series. India had lost the first Test to New Zealand in Bengaluru after being shot out for 46 runs in the first innings.
During a training session ahead of India's second Test against New Zealand in Pune, former South African fast bowler and current bowling coach Morne Morkel bowled in the nets for the first time in a long time. Morkel, 40, bowled to KL Rahul, an Indian batter in the nets.
Morkel shared that he had to constantly remind himself of his age and the considerable time that had elapsed since he last bowled competitively.
"I need to remind myself that I'm 40 and not 23 anymore, and the last time I bowled was almost like a year ago. The boys asked me, sort of when I joined if I'm still fit enough to ball, and I said, don't worry, you know, the day will come," Morkel said. "I had to really, when I walked back to my mark, do a lot of conversation, self-talk and do the same. Just calm down. The last thing you do is get injured. Pull a hamstring and embarrass yourself. So I allowed myself to the ball big no-balls, which gave me that little bit of extra zip. And then obviously injury prevention was the main key thing,” Morkel told BCCI.
Morkel reflected on his broad career, particularly in environments significantly different from the subcontinent, and highlighted the difference in pitch conditions between India and places such as Australia and England.
"I have bowled too many over in India. My knees actually reminded me that the surfaces here are hard and slow and low, so don't be silly. So, definitely in England and in Australia, where there will be a little bit more assistance for me on the surface. Whenever I can get an opportunity, I would like to bowl. Yeah. I felt good like I feel real good about this one," he added.
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Morkel's experience and perspective are seen as valuable assets to India's bowling strategy as the team aims to recover from a 1-0 deficit in the series against New Zealand.
