NEW DELHI: Morne Morkel, India’s bowling coach, believes that while Nitish Reddy can deliver “magical” balls, the batting all-rounder needs to increase his bowling workload to enhance his overall contribution in the forthcoming five-Test England series.Having scored a Test century against Australia at the MCG during last year’s ‘Boxing Day’ Test, Reddy is competing with the experienced Shardul Thakur for the seam-bowling all-rounder position in the playing XI.Following Reddy’s 26.5 overs in two ‘Tests’ against England Lions, Morkel has “challenged” him to expand his bowling responsibilities.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“I think he (Reddy) is skilful. He is a guy who can bowl that magical ball. So for him, it is about creating that consistency, and that’s something we want to work on. It’s important for his game as well,” the former South African fast bowling great said on the sidelines of India’s training session, as quoted by PTI. “I’ve had conversations with him where I’ve challenged him to bowl a bit more. I want to see the ball more in his hands. We all know what he can do with the bat. But for a team, if you can have those bowling options, especially in these conditions, I think he’ll be one to be excited and compliment his bowling at that,” said Morkel.When questioned about the selection between Reddy and Shardul Thakur for the Leeds Test, Morkel remained diplomatic: “In terms of the balance, we’ve got very happy with that. But for us as a bowling unit, finding that gear that we’re going to need in Test matches is going to be important.”Morkel expressed confidence in the comprehensive nature of India’s squad selection.He highlighted the importance of regaining Test match fitness, noting the extended period without Test cricket and the specific challenges of English conditions.“I think in terms of that we cover, like you say, all the bases. But for us now, the key thing is to get Test match fit, ready, that sharpness, to get that back. We haven’t played Test matches for a while now,” he noted. “In England, the conditions can suit you, and it’s overcast, but still it’s going to be good surfaces. I think we’re going to be testing that.”
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The primary focus remains on ensuring players maintain their fitness for 90-over days, according to Morkel.Regarding the upcoming four-day warm-up match against India A, Morkel expressed keen interest in observing the players’ performance.“I think that’s one of the things that has impressed me so much in these two-day sessions we’ve had. The guys sort of stepped up by themselves. They’ve taken that ownership, that responsibility, and realising that it’s going to be a tough tour,” he added.“I think that’s the pleasing thing as coaches, to see guys taking that leadership and ownership in practice.”
He noted the demanding nature of English outfields and weather conditions, emphasising the importance of swift adaptation to match fitness requirements.Morkel expressed satisfaction with the players’ initiative during training sessions.Regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s preparation, Morkel dismissed concerns about limited match practice. “He (Bumrah) knows how to get himself ready. He knows how to prepare. And like you say, I was blown away to see the energy in the ball the last three days. So that’s very exciting to see happy ‘Boom’,” he added. “I’m just happy his body is in good shape at the moment and we’ll manage him with that. And we’ll be smart with him because he’s obviously key for us.“
