London [UK], June 13: As Team India ramps up preparations for its highly anticipated Test tour of England beginning June 20 at Headingley, bowling coach Morne Morkel has emphasized the importance of character, consistency, and open communication within the pace unit.
Speaking in a video shared by the BCCI, the former South African speedster and current India bowling coach said the practice sessions so far have provided a stern test for the batters due to “spicy” English pitches aiding fast bowlers. But he anticipates that the actual match wickets may not be as lively.
“The two-day practice so far, conditions suited the fast bowlers. Early on in the tour is very exciting. You know, it gets their confidence going. It is testing to the batters, which also helps them to prepare for what’s to come,” Morkel said.
While Morkel was impressed with the early impact made by the quicks, he issued a crucial reminder: the true test will come when the wickets flatten out.
“As soon as the wickets go flat, the bowlers tend to back off. I’m going to tell them not to only talk when the ball is nipping around. But when it’s flat—that’s when character is tested,” he stressed.
India’s Test squad heads into the series without the legendary Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom retired from the format last month. The transition phase offers opportunities to a new generation, led by Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, to define their own legacy.
Despite initial concerns about the lack of recent red-ball action, Morkel sounded optimistic after observing the team’s energy and intensity in training. “I was a little nervous in terms of the lack of red-ball matches we have played, but seeing how the guys are moving and training, it’s a pleasing sight.”
He also highlighted that consistency—in both training and preparation—is key to succeeding in England’s challenging conditions. “Find your process, what works for you. We’ve got a great variety in our attack. You need to go into a Test series confidently, with team spirit, and I think we’ve done a great job so far.”
With just days remaining for the opening match, the Indian team is working to fine-tune its balance and mindset, aiming to make a strong statement on English soil.
India’s Squad for the England Tour:
Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.