'Intent Was Awesome, Jadeja A Complete Package,' Morne Morkel On India’s Dominance In 2nd Test
Team India dominated the fourth day of Kanpur Test [Source: PTI]
Team India batters enforced speedy action on Day 4 of the rain-marred Test against Bangladesh at Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium. With two entire days washed out without play, Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and middle-order star KL Rahul clubbed blistering half-centuries to take their team to 285-9d in just 34.4 overs, after bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj had enveloped the visitors for 233.
Indian bowling coach and former South African paceman Morne Morkel praised the collective intent demonstrated by the batters, and also hailed the valiant bowling efforts of the bowlers.
Morne Morkel speaks on India’s Day 4 dominance
While speaking at the press conference, Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel claimed that Bangladesh bowlers were not expecting the hosts to come out all-guns blazing at them in the first innings. The former speedster further stated that batting with intent was always their game plan, in a bid to enforce a result out of the rain-marred Test. He said:
“The ways the boys went with the ball upfront was incredible to see. To show that intent with the bat was awesome. I don't think as a bowling unit, they expected that to happen. But, it was always part of our game plan.”
Morne Morkel also praised Ravindra Jadeja after the Indian all-rounder claimed his milestone 300th Test wicket. Describing the cricketer a “complete package”, Morkel stated that Jadeja brings an ‘X-Factor’ into the team owing to his impeccable all-round dexterity. He added:
“For me, he is a complete package. He bats, he bowls. He’s a guy in the field that can make magic happen. An X-factor player and a guy you always want in the team. He’s done that for so many years for India. To join the 300 club is a special club. He’s also a guy who works hard on his game. What a cricketer for India. Just so happy for him to reach that milestone.”
India Claim Driving Seat In Kanpur Test
Rohit Sharma’s declaration at 285-9 ensured Team India had a first innings lead of 52 runs in the bag. Bangladesh lost two wickets in the final hour of Day 4, both to Ravichandran Ashwin, to reach 26-2 by stumps.