India retains New Zealand bowler cover plan ahead of Tests: Morkel
India bowling coach Morne Morkel said the team has mapped workloads for a packed New Zealand tour and may retain a backup bowling group for the two Tests.
Morne Morkel said India plans to keep bowlers behind as cover for the Test series and will rotate them during ODIs. Arshdeep Singh is being considered for a red-ball debut.
Key takeaways
- India will play five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests in New Zealand
- Morkel said a backup bowling group may stay behind for the Test series
- Arshdeep Singh is in contention for a Test debut despite no prior red-ball caps
- Bowlers will be rotated during ODIs to prepare for the Tests
- The first Test starts on November 19, four days after the ODI series ends
India bowling coach Morne Morkel said India has a workload management plan for its packed tour of New Zealand, Sportstar reported. Speaking on the eve of the third T20I, Morkel said the team management may retain a group of bowlers in New Zealand as backup options for the two-match Test series next month. Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is being considered for a role in the plan, though he has not played Test cricket for India.
India Today said the schedule comprises five T20Is, five ODIs and two Tests, leaving little recovery time between formats. The first Test is due to start on November 19, just four days after the conclusion of the five-match ODI series that follows the ongoing T20 engagement, according to Sportstar. Morkel said bowlers would be rotated during the ODIs to give them match practice ahead of the red-ball leg and to build workloads gradually without risking burnout.
Morkel added that every bowler is clear on what is expected in terms of workload and bowling. He said the back-up and combinations are all in place for rotation, making sure everyone, including Jasprit Bumrah, is ready for the first red-ball Test and the 50-over games.
Morkel said on paper and in the back of their minds there is a nice group of bowlers that can suit all conditions, and Arshdeep is definitely in that conversation. He described Arshdeep as a guy who always works hard and ticks all the boxes, adding that if needed with the red ball, he is pretty sure Arshdeep will be fine.
Morne Morkel is a South African-born cricket coach and former cricketer who played international cricket for South Africa between 2006 and 2018. He briefly served as the bowling coach of Pakistan in 2023.
Related on Apex Sports News
Devdutt Padikkal, Sai Sudharsan rescue India A after New Zealand A collapse
Shami not giving up hope of India recall despite New Zealand omission
Sources
Topics
Spotted an error? Read our corrections policy or use the flag button above. Our editorial standards explain how we report.
Related stories
Discussion
Sign in or create a free account to join the discussion. Please follow our community guidelines.