IND vs ENG Test series: Morkel wants Nitish to bowl more; says Bumrah’s body in “good shape”

India bowling coach Morne Morkel wants Nitish Reddy to bowl more to complement his primary skill set of batting in the upcoming five-Test series against England.

Reddy, who scored a Test hundred against Australia at the MCG in last year’s ‘Boxing Day’ Test, will have his main competition in Shardul Thakur, who is more of a seamer.

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“I think he (Reddy) is skilful. He is a guy who can bowl that magical ball. So, for him, it is about creating that consistency, and that’s something we want to work on. It’s important for his game as well,” the former South African fast bowler told the media on the sidelines of India’s training session.

“I’ve had conversations with him where I’ve challenged him to bowl a bit more. I want to see the ball more in his hands. We all know what he can do with the bat. But for a team, if you can have those bowling options, especially in these conditions, I think he’ll be one to be excited and compliment his bowling at that,” Morkel said.

Nitish or Shardul?

On asked who between Reddy and Shardul is likelier to be picked for the Leeds Test, Morkel naturally refused to reveal the team management’s cards.

“In terms of the balance we’ve got, (I am) very happy with that. But for us as a bowling unit, finding that gear that we’re going to need in Test matches is going to be important.”

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Morkel is confident that the Indian team has covered all its bases in terms of squad election.

“I think in terms of that we cover, like you say, all the bases. But for us now, the key thing is to get Test match fit… we haven’t played Test matches for a while now.

“In England, the conditions can suit you, and it’s overcast, but still, it’s going to be good surfaces. I think we’re going to be testing that. The key is to have players fit and match-ready, ensuring that they stay 90 overs on the field,” said Morkel.

90-over fitness not the same as net sessions

Morkel said that while his players have had three sessions since coming to England, it is not the best metric to judge someone’s match fitness.

“We’ve only had three sessions so far. We’ve got a four-day warm-up game (vs India A) starting in two days. I’m going to be more interested to see how our guys go in that four-day game,” said the 40-year-old.

“It’s one thing judging a net session, but for our guys to stand in the field, getting used to doing 90 overs in the field, that’s going to take some time. We need to realise that, and we need to be patient with that.

“We need to find a way to get up to speed as quickly as possible because that’s going to be a real test,” said the South African.

Morkel also commented on the English weather, saying that can be a major factor in deciding how his team would play.

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“English outfields are quite heavy. The weather conditions are quite cold, so your body can stiffen up. So it’s one thing for me ticking a box, doing well in the nets, but again, it’s that match fitness, that time in the field that we need to, as quickly as possible, find a way to get up to speed with.”

The Bumrah factor

Questions have been raised about Jasprit Bumrah’s readiness for the Test series, considering he has only played some IPL matches recently.

“He (Bumrah) knows how to get himself ready. He knows how to prepare. And like you say, I was blown away to see the energy in the ball the last three days. So, that’s very exciting to see.

“I’m just happy his body is in good shape at the moment, and we’ll manage him with that. We’ll be smart with him because he’s obviously key for us,” Morkel concluded.