Manchester, Jul 26 (PTI) India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has emphasized that the inclusion of wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI depends on the batting consistency of India’s top six. Despite being considered a match-winner by many former cricketers, Kuldeep has yet to feature in the ongoing series, with India opting for three all-rounders to strengthen their batting lineup down to number eight.
“So Kuldeep, we are trying to find a way for him, but it is just more that consistent runs from our top six that we want so that we can bring a guy like Kuldeep in,” Morkel told reporters after day three of the fourth Test.
Acknowledging Kuldeep as a “world-class spinner,” Morkel said that the team is still searching for the right balance. “We’ve seen in the past that we’ve lost wickets in clumps. Kuldeep is bowling really well at the moment, so we’re trying our best to find ways for him to get in. But unfortunately, balancing the batting throws it out a little bit.”
Morkel defended India’s strategy of strengthening the batting order, especially against England’s aggressive approach. “At the end of the day, you need runs on the board… you need totals of 400-plus against England, especially the way they play their brand of cricket.”
On the dry wickets offering some spin, Morkel noted, “That brings Washington [Sundar] into the game. It brings Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) into the game.”
Morkel also justified the selection of Anshul Kamboj over Prasidh Krishna in the fourth Test. “The discussion was about a bowler who can bowl volume, someone accurate at the stumps. Anshul has done well at the domestic level and on the India A tour here, so he got the opportunity.”
Shardul Thakur’s limited use as the fourth pacer was another topic Morkel addressed, citing the need to rely on strike bowlers when England was scoring at a rapid pace.
Reflecting on the series so far, Morkel pointed out that India came close to winning at Lord’s and played well at Edgbaston. “We’ve played good cricket, barring yesterday’s bowling performance,” he said.