India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel reflects on the team’s bowling performance in the Manchester Test, as England surpass 500 runs.
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India Struggle as England Dominate in Manchester Test
Shubman Gill-led India face a daunting challenge in the Manchester Test after England amassed over 500 runs, extending their lead to nearly 200. At stumps on Day 3, England were 544/7, with Ben Stokes unbeaten on 77 and Liam Dawson on 21. No Indian bowler managed to exert significant pressure, allowing runs to flow freely. Joe Root celebrated his 38th Test century and surpassed former Australia captain Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest run-scorer in Test cricket.
Following Day 3, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel admitted that the bowlers struggled to create pressure. He praised Jasprit Bumrah for maintaining discipline but noted the star pacer lacked adequate support from the other end.
Washington Sundar took two wickets on Day 3, dismissing Ollie Pope and Harry Brook, but his late introduction into the attack raised questions about captain Shubman Gill’s tactics.
Morkel explained Bumrah’s struggles with the new ball, emphasizing the need for support from his bowling partners. “For him to be successful, we need to build partnerships. The other guys need to help him out. Sometimes, others get a bit greedy trying too hard, which releases pressure,” Morkel said. “You can’t fault Bumrah; he’s the number one bowler in the world and very skillful. But at times, he needs help from the other end.”
‘Execution let us down’
In the ongoing Manchester Test, India’s bowlers Anshul Kamboj, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur are conceding runs at over 4 per over, putting India under pressure. Jasprit Bumrah has bowled 28 overs, giving away 95 runs and taking one wicket. If he concedes 100, it will mark the first time in his Test career he has given away so many runs.
Bowling coach Morne Morkel expressed disappointment over India’s poor execution, emphasizing that it has been a key factor in their current predicament. “Our execution let us down. It’s not so much about the combinations we chose, but how we performed. Yesterday seemed like we were too greedy and couldn’t stick to the plan, which made us chase the game,” Morkel said.
One decision under scrutiny was giving the new ball to debutant Anshul Kamboj over the more experienced Mohammed Siraj. Morkel explained, “If Bumrah and Siraj open, then less experienced bowlers come in first change. It’s tricky, but you back a bowler on his strength. Anshul bowls well with the new ball alongside the world’s best bowler. Siraj has done a fantastic job bowling first change.”