India’s cricket team is preparing for the England tour in full swing, and bowling coach Morne Morkel is surprised to see Jasprit Bumrah’s rhythm.
Bumrah’s energy and his speed with the Dukes ball in the last three net sessions has stunned Morkel.
Morkel said, “Bumrah knows how to prepare himself. I am amazed to see his bowling! His body is in top condition right now.”
But, considering Bumrah’s old back injury, the coaching staff is being cautious. Head coach Gautam Gambhir made it clear that Bumrah may play only three matches in the five-Test series.
Morkel said smilingly, “We will handle Bumrah. He is a big weapon for us, but it is fun to watch him bowl!”
India will prepare for the first Test starting in Leeds from June 20 by playing a three-day intra-squad match at Beckenham from June 6. Along with the Test team, India A players will also take part in this practice match.
Apart from Bumrah, fast bowlers like Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep will be India’s weapons. Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy are options as all-rounders, but the form of both is still a matter of concern.
Morkel has high hopes from Reddy. He said,
“Reddy has magic! He can bowl amazingly, he just needs to be more consistent. I want the ball to be in his hand more. He has already made a splash with the bat!”
Looking at England’s bowler-bashing batting line-up, Morkel warned that India will have to play their top game from the start.
“The England team punishes mistakes ruthlessly. We have to be alert at all times.”
The good thing is that the Indian players are already taking responsibility in practice.
Morkel said, “It makes the heart happy to see the enthusiasm and leadership of the players.”
This series, which is starting from June 20, has been named Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, which has also made England’s James Anderson very happy.
England will have to be cautious of India’s bowlers, especially Bumrah’s fiery balls, because this series is not going to be easy.
