IND vs ENG Test: ‘Trying to wrap our heads around it,’ says Morne Morkel as seamers drop pace | Cricket News – Times of India

TimesofIndia.com in Manchester: India bowling coach Morne Morkel expressed concern as he admitted that his bowlers lacked chunk and power on Day 3 of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, highlighting a worrying drop in pace from the staff’s quicks. “We are trying to wrap our heads around it. Not too much to judge in that, but it was a heavy outfield. But we need energy on the ball on a surface like this,” India’s bowling coach informed reporters on the finish of day’s play on day 3. The numbers underline the priority as properly. Jasprit Bumrah greatly surprised 140 kmph in 39.84% of his deliveries at Headingley and 26.84% at Lord’s. At Old Trafford, that quantity has plummeted to simply 0.57% (simply 1 out of 173 balls, together with no-balls). This staggering dip in pace for India’s spearhead certainly is a matter of concern for the facet as they head into day 4. India’s pace unit struggled for penetration all day as England ended Day 3 on 544/7, main by 186 runs. Joe Root’s sensational 150 and Ollie Pope’s 71 stored the guests underneath stress all through, with India conceding 500-plus in an abroad Test innings for the primary time since 2015. Morkel, nevertheless, stated the staff was extra disciplined in contrast to the day past. “We were much better today with the ball. Yesterday was a tough day,” he stated. “Siraj and Boom (Bumrah) started well today.” Both Bumrah and Siraj had damage scares earlier than Tea, leaving the sector in discomfort. Morkel downplayed the issues, saying, “Bumrah rolled his ankle going down the stairs, Siraj also rolled his ankle. Both are fine.” India handed a debut to Anshul Kamboj on this essential Test, who simply has the one wicket of Ben Duckett to present for, which got here on Day 2. “We needed someone who could bowl volume and is accurate. His name was in the mix for a long time,” Morkel stated. Shardul Thakur, in the meantime, was used sparingly. The 33-yr-previous’s six overs on Friday was not a lot of a rise as in contrast to the 5 overs that have been allotted to him on Thursday. “Tough one when you have four seamers and going at over five,” Morkel stated. Washington Sundar, who picked two wickets, was solely introduced into the assault within the 69th over. Elaborating on the timing of his deployment, the bowling coach stated, “Shubman made that call to stick longer with seam option.”

On Kuldeep Yadav’s continued exclusion, he added, “He is bowling very well right now, he is a quality bowler, but at the moment it’s due to batting depth and balance of the side.” With England wanting to lengthen their benefit, India face a steep climb. Trailing in each the sport and the collection, the guests will want to drive a turnaround on Saturday.