India's Bowling Coach Emphasizes Consistency Ahead of England Test Series

Importance of Consistency in English Conditions

Morne Morkel, the bowling coach for India, highlighted the significance of maintaining consistency in the challenging English conditions. He expressed some apprehension regarding the team's limited experience with red-ball cricket prior to the Test series against England, which is set to commence on June 20.

This series marks the beginning of India's new World Test Championship cycle, featuring a five-match away series led by the newly appointed captain, Shubman Gill.

Morkel stated, "Consistency is vital in England, and it extends to our practice routines and off-field activities, helping players discover their individual processes that work best for them."

He praised the diverse skill sets within the bowling attack, noting that this variety allows them to execute fundamental techniques effectively.

The last time India engaged in red-ball cricket was in early January during the Sydney Test against Australia. Notably, several players, including Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sai Sudharsan, will be participating in their first Test series on English soil.

Reflecting on the team's preparations, Morkel admitted to feeling a bit anxious about the lack of red-ball experience but was encouraged by the players' training over the past three days. He remarked, "We have a fantastic group with great energy, which is essential for entering a Test series with confidence and team spirit."

India is scheduled to play a four-day intra-squad warm-up match against India A, starting Friday.

Morkel observed that the practice conditions have predominantly favored fast bowlers, providing a challenging environment for batters, which is beneficial for their preparation.

He noted, "In the two-day practice sessions, the conditions have been favorable for fast bowlers, making it a test for the batters, which is good for their readiness for the series ahead."

Morkel does not anticipate the Test pitches to be as lively as those encountered during practice, stating, "There has been a lot of good competition between bat and ball, but this is likely due to the current spicy wickets. Once the pitches flatten out, bowlers may ease off."

He plans to encourage the bowlers to maintain their intensity, saying, "I will remind them to stay engaged even when the wickets are flat, as that’s when character is truly tested."