Virat Kohli putting himself under pressure in nets for younger guys to see, says Morne Morkel
Going into the first Test in Perth one major area of concern for the Indian team is lack of experience in the batting order against a formidable Australian quartet who scalped 1430 wickets together. Skipper Rohit Sharma who is among the experienced batters is about to miss the Test and Shubman Gill who scored a stylish 91 in the famous Gabba win in the last tour too is doubtful because of an injury.
Additionally coming into the game India’s recent batting displays in a 3-0 whitewash at home against New Zealand would not inspire much confidence either. When asked if there is any pressure on the batting unit “I think you know the pressure is one thing but there are a lot of unknowns for a young squad,” said Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel on Wednesday addressing the Press
“You need to look at the wicket and formulate your sort of game plan…on how the wicket is going to play but that is the beauty about Test cricket have to fight through some of those conditions break it down into sessions and get yourself into a partnership and it is going to be great learning for these young guys. Australia is not going to bowl you many bad balls. We know wickets are going to be fast it is going to be bouncy,” the 40-year-old said.
Morkel would also say that this tour to Australia is a “fantastic carrot to dangle” for many Indian players. “I think for any cricketer when you come to Australia. This is where you make a name for yourself on one of the bigger stages of playing world cricket. I think that is the driving force for some of the young guys to come up here play good solid cricket score 500-600 runs in a serious stake and then put themselves on the stage.
Virat Kohli is the only player in that top order with much experience to speak of. He played 13 Tests Down Under scoring 1352 runs at an average of 54.08. However, he too is suffering through barren form in recent times averaging 15.50 against New Zealand.
Speaking of Kohli’s preparation and his role in helping young batters of the side Morkel said: “The intensity and preparation he trains are always top-level. From Virat’s point of view, it is about sharing sort of things that have worked for him in the past. He is always putting himself under pressure in the nets for the younger guys to see him train in that fashion…if it is new ball guys coming in a bit closer and throwing at higher speed to him those are the small things that the younger guys and less experienced guys will pick and also take their game to another level.”
The South African would also speaking of a “blueprint” on how to go about the batting. “When I talk about blue prints we speak about KPI’s. Partnerships are going to be crucial you know getting through the new ball. Once the ball is sort of softer not to give away soft wickets.
