Morne Morkel Provides Injury Updates on Indian Pacers During Fourth Test

In the latest update from the fourth Test in Manchester, Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel addressed the fitness of key pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who faced minor injuries during the match. Despite these concerns, both bowlers returned to take wickets, contributing to India's efforts against a strong England side led by Joe Root and Ben Stokes. Morkel highlighted the importance of discipline in bowling and discussed the challenges faced by the team on a flat pitch. Read on for more insights into the match dynamics and player performances.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 26, 2025, 01:58 IST

Injury Concerns for Indian Bowlers

Manchester [UK], July 26: On the third day of the fourth Test in Manchester, Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel shared updates regarding the fitness of key fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who experienced minor injuries during the second session and briefly left the field.

England's Joe Root delivered a remarkable performance with a score of 150, while captain Ben Stokes contributed a resilient 77*, putting India at a disadvantage with a 186-run lead. Throughout the day, Bumrah struggled on the field, having to leave after bowling just one over with the new ball, and upon his return, he was seen limping. Siraj also exited the field towards the end of the day, but both bowlers managed to return for the final session, each claiming a wicket.

During the post-match press conference, Morkel noted that the bowling performance improved compared to the previous day, acknowledging that the team had missed their lines on day two. He expressed satisfaction with how Bumrah and Siraj responded in the morning session, emphasizing the importance of discipline in their bowling.

Regarding the injuries, Morkel explained that Bumrah rolled his ankle while descending stairs after the second new ball was taken, and Siraj also experienced a foot issue. Fortunately, both bowlers appeared to be fine.

Morkel addressed the bowlers' below-average speeds on day three, suggesting that fatigue could be a factor, especially on flatter surfaces where bowlers expend more energy. He highlighted the heavy workloads of bowlers like Siraj and mentioned that Anshul Kamboj, making his Test debut, is crucial for developing a strong fast bowling unit.

On Kamboj's performance, which included figures of 1/89 in 18 overs, Morkel stated that the team needed a bowler capable of delivering a high volume of overs with accuracy. He praised Kamboj's previous performances in domestic cricket and his potential.

Morkel dismissed any fitness concerns regarding Kamboj's bowling speed, stating that he had shown better pace in previous matches. He expressed hope that Kamboj would improve as the series progressed.

England began the day at 225/2, with Ollie Pope and Joe Root building a century partnership. The first session concluded with England at 332/2, thanks to solid contributions from openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley.

In the second session, Washington Sundar took two wickets, but Root and Stokes continued to dominate, with Root achieving his 38th Test century. England ended the session at 433/4, while Bumrah and Siraj faced fitness challenges.

Stokes, who completed his fifty, later left the field due to leg discomfort. Root was dismissed for 150, but Stokes returned to help England finish 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, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant. Stokes was instrumental in restricting India's scoring with his bowling performance.