IND vs SL: Will India play three spinners vs Sri Lanka? Morne Morkel responds
India’s pace attack will be weak when they face Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series, starting on 15 August. Key fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Harshit Rana are injured and won’t play. Mohammed Shami, who has had injury issues, hasn’t played since June 2023.
In Bumrah’s absence, the focus will be on Mohammed Siraj, an experienced pacer with 140 Test wickets. Prasidh Krishna, Gurnoor Brar, and Auqib Nabi are less experienced, with Brar and Nabi yet to play Tests.
India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel isn’t worried about the missing players. He believes the young bowlers have talent and can adapt to conditions. Siraj and Prasidh have faced tough bowling challenges in India, while Gurnoor showed success in lower teams.
Morkel says the heat and humidity will be the biggest challenge, making the ball softer after 20-35 overs. The team needs to quickly adjust strategies, like using the short ball effectively.
India has strong spin options, including Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Manav Suthar, and Saransh Jain. Morkel praised Kuldeep’s recent performance in a practice match and his success with Yorkshire in England.
Jadeja’s experience and class are crucial, while Kuldeep offers an attacking style. Morkel doesn’t see playing three spinners as a concern, saying it depends on how Shubman Gill uses the bowlers. He believes India’s spin attack is strong and can take 20 wickets.
Traditionally, playing three spinners has been effective at the venue. Morkel sees it as an attacking option, using seam and spin to create pressure. The team feels prepared for all challenges in the Test match.