Wickets might play differently in terms of seam and might turn little bit more in West Indies: Morne Morkel

Morne Morkel. (Photo Source: Twitter)

The Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024 is already underway with important matches lined up one after the other. Talking around the same, former cricketers Morne Morkel, Ian Bishop, Matthew Hayden, Piyush Chawla, and Krishnamachari Srikkanth gave their insights on upcoming matches. Morkel spoke about whether fans could witness high-scoring affairs on the pitches of West Indies contrary to what unfolded in New York.

Speaking exclusively on a special edition of STAR SPORTS PRESS ROOM FOR SUPER 8, former South African fast bowler Morne Morkel shared his thoughts on whether the matches in the West Indies are going to be high-scoring. He said, “Listening to Hayden and the guys who are currently in the Caribbean, I personally don’t think so, as there is always going to be something in the wicket. Wickets might play differently in terms of seam and might turn a little bit more, but I think the score is going to be around 160-170. It is going to be up to the bowling attacks to sum up those conditions and really execute well. Speaking from a South African point of view, they have a lot of variations and options they can turn to, as Shamsi also bowled well in the last game. But I think it is going to be an even contest between bat and ball in the West Indies.”

Former West Indian cricketer Ian Bishop shared his thoughts on whether we will be able to see any 200+ scores and high-scoring matches. He said, “I don’t think 200+ scores have left the building yet. I think Hayden and I have already seen a couple of 200+ scores here in Saint Lucia. I am hoping that Antigua will also be able to produce something similar. If not 200, certainly something in the 180s or 190s. And by some miracle, I don’t know, Barbados might be better for the games in this Super 8 segment.

“But talking about fast bowlers, people are saying that the West Indies has been spin-friendly compared to the USA. But I am not sure why people have left fast bowling out of the conversation altogether. Even if you are playing in Saint Lucia, Barbados, or St. Vincent, all of you know that it may not be easy on the batting pitches or the slow pitches for the fast bowlers. But fast bowlers still play a crucial part. Fast bowlers still have a part to play.”

Bishop shared his thoughts on the previous performances of the West Indies team in the last two World Cups. He said, “I think I have been sent to disappointment by the previous two T20 World Cups. They fell short in fueling the preparations and serving as a reminder to the team of the legacy of 1975-79 and the years 2012 and 2016. These years are a significant part of the fabric of cricket in our society.

“When the West Indies met New Zealand in Trinidad, I don’t know how many guys watched it, but you could see the passion of the people in Trinidad. And here in St. Lucia, when the West Indies played against Afghanistan, very rarely do you see the Darren Sammy Cricket Ground as packed and as vibrant as it was. So, I think this team is very aware of how the West Indies needs to get back to a point of relevance and showcase on the world stage that we have a brand of cricket that brings everyone together.”

Former Indian cricketer Krishnamachari Srikkanth talked about the importance of fast bowlers in the remaining part of the World Cup taking place in the West Indies. He said, “I expect total scores of around 180 here. We have already seen two 200+ scores. I definitely think those fast bowlers have a big role to play in all fairness. For India, for example, it is going to be Bumrah, who will be the lead bowler for us. If Bumrah gets going, India gets going, and that is one thing for sure. For South Africa, Nortje is doing pretty well. He is brilliant. And Rabada is there for them. And of course, for the Aussies, everybody knows they have Hazlewood, Starc, and Cummins. You can’t do anything without fast bowlers.”