Morne Morkel explains the Indian team’s preparations for the England tour, saying, “Consistency is key”

Bowling coach Morne Morkel has provided insight into the Indian cricket team’s planning as they get ready for the five-match Test series against England. Morne Morkel commended the team’s enthusiasm and professionalism throughout their practices ahead of the June 13 intra-squad match between India and India A.

On June 7, the squad started preparing for the ground with rigorous training sessions. The purpose of the training is to prepare the players for England’s aggressive “Bazball” style in addition to helping them get used to the new conditions. Morne Morkel said he was pleased with the sessions’ level of intensity and the skills needed to succeed in England.

“The fast bowlers fared well in the two-day practice so far. The beginning of the tour is really exciting since it boosts their confidence and challenge the batters, which also helps them get ready for what’s ahead. The wickets won’t be as spicy as the ones we see here, in my opinion. He stated in a video released by the BCCI, “I think the wickets are a little bit spicy, but there’s been a lot of good banter between bat and ball.”

We have an amazing team: Morkel Morne

Notably, India’s campaign will heavily rely on the speed department. After almost six months away, Jasprit Bumrah is making his red-ball cricket comeback, and Morne Morkel underlined the need to ease him back through several periods during the practice match. The core of India’s pace battery will consist of Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Prasidh Krishna, with Shardul Thakur and Nitish Reddy providing all-around seam alternatives.

“You can tell the bowlers plan to back off as soon as the wickets fall flat. I will thus advise them to speak when the wickets are flat as well as when they are zipping around. We will require the character in that situation. It’s currently simply gradually getting closer to the first Test match. Consistency is the most important factor, in my opinion, and it’s especially important in England. It is finding your process, being consistent off the pitch, and figuring out what will work for you personally.

“Our (bowling) attack is really diverse, with a range of skill sets. You can tell that they perform well because they do the fundamentals well. Overall, I’m quite pleased with the beginning thus far. Because we haven’t played much red-ball (cricket), I was a little anxious, but after watching the boys move about and practice over the past three days, I’m glad to see it,” he continued.

With Shubman Gill assuming full-time Test leadership and prominent players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin departing, this series is poised to usher in a new era for Indian cricket. India’s campaign in the 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle also begins with this, as they want to make it to the final after losing in the previous cycle.

The group’s enthusiasm and drive for achievement were also highlighted by the bowling instructor.

“I believe that this bunch is excellent right now. This group has a lot of positive energy, which is what you need to have confidence before entering a test series. Maintain a sense of unity within the group. In my opinion, they have performed admirably thus far,” Morne Morkel said.