India’s fast bowlers may not be the main threat in Sri Lanka, but bowling coach Morne Morkel believes they can still play a decisive role during the two-Test series.
With spin expected to dominate, particularly in Galle, Morkel has urged India’s seamers to make the most of short bursts and adapt quickly to conditions that can make life difficult for fast bowlers.
Morkel’s message to India’s quicks
The biggest challenge, according to Morkel, will be the combination of heat, humidity and the Kookaburra ball losing its hardness relatively early.
“Our skill is there, and the planning will be there, but the biggest challenge coming to Sri Lanka is the heat, the humidity, and the Kookaburra ball going soft a little earlier,” Morkel said.
He expects the ball to soften after around 25 to 30 overs, making it important for India’s quicks to maximise their impact with the newer ball.
“It’s all about your mindset,” Morkel said. “If you’re a fast bowler, if you’re going to bowl the shortest spells, the energy you put in the ball and putting it into good areas - you’ll always have opportunity.”
Hit the deck hard and stay adaptable
India’s pace group is relatively inexperienced beyond Mohammed Siraj, with Prasidh Krishna joined by uncapped Gurnoor Brar and Auqib Nabi. Morkel believes hitting the deck hard on a good length remains an effective approach in Galle, but the quicks will need another plan once the ball loses its bite.
"When the ball goes soft, what is our next step? We have to be street smart in terms of how we’re going to use the crease or how we’re going to use our short ball,” he said.
Reverse swing could also become important later in the Test, particularly if conditions allow the ball to stay dry enough.
“Reverse swing can definitely play a role here if teams can get the ball to reverse,” Morkel said.
For India’s seamers, the challenge will be simple: bowl with intensity, adapt quickly and make every spell count.
