Morkel explains Kuldeep snub: Extra batting protection the priority

Kuldeep Yadav continues to warm the bench in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, as India’s preference for batting all-rounders has kept the wrist-spinner out of the playing XI. Much was expected of Kuldeep before the series, with many anticipating his variations would trouble the English batters and counter Bazball.

However, four Tests in, he’s yet to feature, and India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has now admitted that team selection is being guided by the need for extra batting depth.

Advertisement

India are down and out in the Manchester Test, which happens to be the fourth match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. England piled on more than 500 runs, with their lead extending close to 200 after India were bowled out for 358 in the first innings.

The Indian bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, struggled to contain the English batters as Joe Root registered his 38th Test hundred, becoming the second-highest run-scorer in the format.

Addressing the media after the third day’s play, Morkel finally broke his silence on Kuldeep’s continued exclusion.

“I think it’s finding when he comes in, how we can find balance and how we can get that batting line-up to be a little bit longer and stronger,” Morkel told reporters.

“We’ve seen in the past that we’ve lost wickets in clumps. Kuldeep is world-class, and he’s bowling really well at the moment, so we’re trying our best to find ways for him to get in. But unfortunately, with that, just to balance with batting throws it out a little bit,” he added.

Need extra batting protection

Morkel stressed the importance of batting depth when facing England’s aggressive style, particularly on flat tracks that offer little to the bowlers.

“I do think at the end of the day you need runs on the board, and for us obviously giving that a little bit of extra batting protection, wanting to get totals of 400-plus. You need it against England, especially the way they play, their brand of cricket,” said Morkel.

He also pointed out that unless India’s top-order fires consistently, making room for Kuldeep becomes difficult.

“But to be honest, the wicket so far has been dry and it’s actually spun a little bit. So that brings Washington into the game. It brings Jadeja into the game. 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,” he added.