Morne Morkel Analyzes Jasprit Bumrah's Bowling Challenges in Manchester Test

In the latest Test match against England, Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed the challenges faced by Jasprit Bumrah, particularly his struggles with the new ball. Morkel emphasized the need for better support from other bowlers to create pressure on the opposition. Despite Bumrah's impressive wicket tally, he has faced difficulties in this series, especially without the experience of Mohammed Shami. The discussion also touched on the team's bowling depth and the integration of players like Kuldeep Yadav. As England builds a strong lead, the focus remains on improving the bowling unit's performance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 26, 2025, 02:22 IST

Bumrah's Performance Under Scrutiny

Manchester [UK], July 26: After a day of mixed results on the third day of the fourth Test against England, Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed the challenges faced by pace leader Jasprit Bumrah. He highlighted the lack of support from fellow bowlers, which has hindered Bumrah's ability to apply pressure on the batsmen from both ends.

Throughout this series, Bumrah has claimed 13 wickets at an average of 26.69, including two five-wicket hauls. However, aside from dismissing openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett in the first 30 overs, his success with the new ball has been limited, with most wickets coming when the ball was significantly older.

Morkel commented on Bumrah's performance with the new ball, stating, “I spoke with Bumrah last night. He is undoubtedly a highly skilled player who wants to make a difference with the ball.”

He added, “However, we need support from the other end. It's crucial for us to create pressure during these bowling innings, and we are currently struggling to do so.”

Morkel emphasized that for Bumrah to excel, his teammates must collaborate effectively, but they often focus too much on taking wickets, which leads to conceding runs.

“This inadvertently releases the pressure on the opposition. But we cannot fault Bumrah; he is the number one bowler in the world and possesses immense skill. There will be times when he will take wickets, but he also requires assistance from the other end,” he remarked.

Regarding the decision to favor all-rounder Washington Sundar over spinner Kuldeep Yadav, Morkel explained that the team is working to integrate Kuldeep, but the need for a longer batting lineup after losing wickets in clusters has complicated matters.

“Kuldeep is a world-class bowler and is performing well. We are doing our best to find a way for him to play, but the balance of the batting order is affected,” he noted.

Morkel acknowledged that the Test series has been a significant test of the team's bowling depth, especially without Mohammed Shami and with several newer players like Prasidh Krishna, Anshul Kamboj, Nitish Kumar Reddy, and Akash Deep.

“We often play shorter series, and this is our first five-match series in a while. While it shouldn't be an excuse, conditioning the players for five Tests right after the IPL can be challenging. We must balance recovery time with maintaining their bowling loads,” he explained.

“It's essential for us to develop a solid core of five or six bowlers who can be rotated effectively. Currently, we lack experience, with only Siraj and Bumrah having significant Test experience, while Akash is sidelined due to injury.”

“We are continually looking for ways to introduce new players who are learning their craft at the international level. This phase is not easy, but it is a necessary period for us to work through to ensure these players become fitter and stronger for five-match series,” he concluded.

England began their day at 225/2, with Ollie Pope (20*) and Joe Root (11*) not out. They formed a century partnership, building on the efforts of openers Ben Duckett (94 off 100 balls, with 13 fours) and Zak Crawley (84 off 113 balls, with 13 fours and a six), taking England to 332/2 by the end of the first session, with both scoring fifties.

In the second session, Washington Sundar (2/57) dismissed Ollie (71 off 128 balls, seven fours) and Harry Brook (3), but skipper Stokes and Root countered effectively, with Root reaching his 38th Test century and surpassing Ricky Ponting to become the second-highest Test run-scorer. England concluded the second session at 433/4, with Stokes and Root still at the crease. Siraj and Bumrah faced fitness issues during this session, with Bumrah managing only one over with the new ball.

Stokes, who completed his fifty in the final session, had to leave the field due to discomfort in his left leg. Root was dismissed by Jadeja for a commendable 150 off 248 balls, which included 14 fours. Bumrah and Siraj quickly took out Jamie Smith (9) and Chris Woakes (4), reducing England to 528/7, but Stokes (77*) returned to bat alongside Liam Dawson (21*), preventing further damage. England finished the day at 544/7, leading by 186 runs.

Earlier, after winning the toss, England chose to bowl first, and India scored 358 runs, with significant contributions from Sai Sudharsan (61 off 151 balls, with seven fours), Yashasvi Jaiswal (58 off 107 balls, with 10 fours and a six), and Rishabh Pant (54 off 75 balls, with three fours and two sixes). Stokes (5/72) delivered crucial blows to India, preventing them from establishing a substantial partnership.