Morne Morkel shares injury update on Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah, who both raised concerns about injuries during the second session, received fitness reports from former South African cricketer Morne Morkel. Even though the side had trouble with its lines on day two of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, the Indian coach added that the visitors had a much better day with the ball.

Thanks to an incredible 150 from Joe Root and an undefeated 77 from captain Ben Stokes, England has managed to take a 186-run lead. After bowling just one over with the new ball, Bumrah seemed uncomfortable, which added to India’s worries beyond the scoreboard. After leaving the pitch and returning, he was limping.

“I was pleased with the boys’ response this morning, particularly Siraj and Bumrah’s use of the ball. After that, we did our best to attempt to create chances, you know. According to NDTV Sports, Morne Morkel stated during the post-day press conference, “We could look like it played better than the first couple of two days.”

“So, discipline and maintaining those lines were crucial, and I believe we overlooked that earlier. Returning to the injuries, he said, “Unfortunately, Bumrah rolled his ankles while descending the stairs, and Siraj also, I believe, rolled his foot in one of the footholds. However, they appear to be fine.”

Workloads for Pacers were heavy: Morne Morkel

The bowlers’ performance on day three was well below their typical speeds, according to the Indian bowling coach, who also mentioned that the surface was flat and that bowlers had to strike the deck hard to get even a small amount of zip.

“I mean, if you look at the workloads of Siraj and other men like that, they have had a lot of work. It is crucial for us to establish a strong fast bowling unit, and that is Anshul’s first Test match to date. Therefore, it is not too much to judge. However, I do believe that it is a heavier outfield. However, I don’t believe we can criticise the lads’ dedication and effort,” Morkel continued.

Kamboj’s speed is something we are focussing on: Morne Morkel

In response to a question concerning Anshul Kamboj’s inclusion, Morne Morkel clarified that the squad was searching for a bowler who could accurately deliver a large number of overs, especially aiming for difficult lines outside the off stump. In response to queries regarding Kamboj’s speed, Morne Morkel confirmed that the pacer is in perfect physical condition and rejected any fitness concerns.

“And I believe that Anshul has done that on a domestic level at home. He had performed admirably during this year’s India A Tour (to England, when he hit fifty and claimed four wickets in two games). Additionally, he was a man whose name had been mentioned for a while. Morne Morkel stated, “And, you know, they gave him the opportunity for that.”

“If you look, I wish I could tell you that because I would have given him advice on how to bowl more quickly at that time. However, he came here, bowled well in the nets, and we certainly followed up on our earlier conversation. Why are the speeds so low? Indeed, we are working on that at the moment. However, when you saw him in the India A, he was unquestionably faster. And there was undoubtedly a faster tempo in some of the games back home,” he said.