Morne Morkel. (Photo Source: BCCI)
It was all India on Day 4 of the second Test against Bangladesh as the home batters smashed bowlers in front mercilessly. Not only did they manage to clean Bangladesh up within a couple of sessions, but the way they expressed themselves with the bat was heartening to see for each and every Indian supporter.
The bowling coach of the Indian unit, Morne Morkel, was also equally impressed. He shared the note which was sent out from the staff’s end to the players before the day’s play. Morkel also explained how the Indians were constantly striving for a result from the inception.
“That was our message this morning, you know, with losing two days of the match…that positive intent was going to be key. Two days left in the Test, there is still a lot of cricket and it was important to show that intent. The way the boys went to the ball up-front, it was incredible to see. We created the pressure (with the ball) and brought wickets, and then to show the intent with the bat was awesome,” stated Morkel, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
“I don’t think as a bowling unit, they expected that to happen. It was always a part of our game plan to see, how we can push this going forward. And how we can get the winning result,” noted Morkel.
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It’s never nice losing time and days, that was sort of very frustrating: Morkel
The former Proteas stalwart, who joined the Indian team ahead of the series, also elaborated on the vexation he and the players were going through due to more than a couple of days getting wasted but also shared how involved the cricketers were regardless.
“It’s never nice losing time and days. I knew the boys sitting around the hotel, that was sort of very frustrating. The way the guys went off the field, still doing their gym work, looking after their bodies, was impressive to see for me coming into the group. We knew, once we get the opportunity, we’re always going to look at the positive way and how we can impact that. Throughout the day, we showed the intent that we’re going to play with,” added Morkel.
With Bangladesh still trailing by 26 runs while losing two batters already, India might just clinch a victory for the ages if the same intent is shown on the field. India will be looking to go for the kill, with Bangladesh having to play extremely well to get through the final day of the Test series.
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