'Is it not a joy to see players training intensely over the last three days?' - Morkel
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Synopsis
Morne Morkel, India's bowling coach, shares insights on the team's training intensity and the importance of consistency in their upcoming Test series in England. Discover how the players are preparing and Morkel's thoughts on the challenges ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Morne Morkel emphasizes the need for consistency in practice and matches.
- The Test series starts on June 20 in Leeds.
- Training conditions have been favorable for fast bowlers.
- Team India has a diverse bowling attack with varying skill sets.
- Positive team spirit is crucial as they head into the series.
London, June 13 (NationPress) India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has conveyed his pleasure regarding the intensity shown by the players during their training camp, emphasizing that maintaining consistency both in practice and during matches will be vital in England.
The five-match Test series is set to begin on June 20 in Leeds, before heading to Birmingham for the second Test. Following that, the third Test will take place at Lord’s Cricket Ground starting on July 10. The fourth and fifth Tests will be hosted at Old Trafford and Kennington Oval, respectively.
Since their arrival in the UK on June 7, Team India has been diligently working in training sessions. They will also participate in an intra-squad match starting in Beckenham on Friday.
“In the two-day practice, the conditions have favored the fast bowlers. It has been challenging for the batters, which ultimately prepares them for what lies ahead. I don’t anticipate the pitch being as lively as the ones we've encountered here,” Morkel stated in a video shared by BCCI on social media.
“There has been plenty of good exchanges between bat and ball, attributed to the slightly spicy wickets. However, once the wickets become flat, bowlers typically ease off. I will remind them to maintain their competitiveness even when conditions are favorable for batting, as that’s when true character is needed.
“I believe that consistency is essential in England. We need to maintain consistency in practice and off the field, discovering individual processes that work best for each player. We have a diverse bowling attack, with players possessing different skill sets, allowing us to execute the fundamentals effectively,” he added.
This five-Test series will commence the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both teams. India last played a Test match during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in January, and since then, the players have participated in white-ball events such as the Champions Trophy and the IPL.
“Overall, I am pleased with our progress thus far. I was slightly anxious about the limited red-ball cricket we’ve played, but seeing how the players have been moving and training over the last three days is a positive sign. We have a remarkable group with great energy, which is essential. Confidence and team spirit are crucial as we head into a Test series,” Morkel concluded.
Point of View
The focus remains on building a strong team that can adapt and perform under pressure. Morne Morkel’s observations highlight the importance of physical preparation and mental resilience as Team India gears up for a significant Test series in England.
NationPress
14/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Morne Morkel say about the players' training?
Morne Morkel expressed his satisfaction with the intensity displayed by the players during training, emphasizing the importance of consistency in practice and matches.
When does the Test series against England start?
The five-match Test series is set to begin on June 20 in Leeds.
What is the significance of this Test series?
This series marks the beginning of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle for both teams.
How has the team prepared for the series?
The team has been engaged in rigorous training sessions and will play an intra-squad match before the series begins.
What are Morkel's thoughts on the batting conditions?
Morkel noted that the training conditions have favored bowlers and have been challenging for batters, which is beneficial for their preparation.
