Wellington, Oct 26 India are planning to retain a dedicated group of bowlers in New Zealand as backup options for the two-match Test series next month and left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is being considered for a part in this “bulletproof” workload management plan, bowling coach Morne Morkel said on Monday.
The Indian team management has drawn up this strategy to help the travelling bowlers navigate a packed schedule comprising five T20Is, five ODIs and two Test matches here.
“We are planning a group of bowlers that we would like to potentially stay behind as cover because of the schedule. Closer to the time, once we get a better understanding of the conditions at this time of the year, we’ll get a clear picture regarding the make-up of our bowling unit,” Morkel said on the eve of the third T20I here.
White-ball specialist Arshdeep has not played Test cricket for India, but his ability to move the ball both ways has kept him in contention for a red-ball debut.
“On paper and in the back of our minds, there is a nice group of bowlers that can suit all conditions, and Arshdeep is definitely in that conversation.
“He’s a guy that always works hard and ticks all the boxes, so if needed with the red ball, I’m pretty sure he’ll be fine,” the former South African fast bowler added.
The Test series is due to start on November 19, just four days after the conclusion of a five-match ODI rubber that will follow the ongoing T20 engagement between the two sides.
The decision to retain fast bowlers as cover is part of a long-term workload management strategy devised months before the tour.
“…every bowler is clear on what is expected of them in terms of workload and bowling. As you are aware, a couple of guys are playing in the A-side to get ready for red-ball cricket,” Morkel said.
He also stated that bowlers would be rotated during the one-day internationals to provide them with match practice ahead of the Test series, allowing them to build up their workloads gradually without risking burnout.
“In the 50-over format, we will also rotate and give guys the game time needed to prepare for the Test matches. We’ve got a bulletproof plan at the moment in terms of how we mapped everything out, but unfortunately, not everything always goes according to plan.
“The back-up and combinations we have are all in place and ready in terms of rotation, making sure everyone, including Jasprit Bumrah all the way down, is ready for the first red-ball Test and the 50-over games,” Morkel said.
Mayank’s omission in second T20I tactical call
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Morkel said Mayank Yadav’s omission from the second T20I, where he made way for Prince Yadav, was a tactical decision based on the conditions.
“That was just purely a tactical sort of change we felt was needed at that venue. It’s no secret that Prince, at the death, bowling his yorkers, he’s somebody that executes that quite well.
“And it felt that if we had to bowl second and the ball is wet and, you know, taking into consideration the dimensions of the field, to be one of the guys with a high percentage of nailing the yorkers.”
Mayank had returned figures of 1/40 in the series-opener, while Prince finished with 1/30 in the second game. Morkel said the 24-year-old Mayank is still “raw”.
“Mayank bowled really well in the first game. I think it’s sometimes good for a young boy like that to play a game, give him a little bit of time to reflect, understand bowling…
“…because he’s still raw and he still needs to understand a lot in terms of how to read and how to set up an over. So I think for a young boy, I’d say that’s not a bad thing,” Morkel reasoned.
“And then Prince, obviously, you know, he can bowl fast in all phases of the game. And his execution is just slightly higher.
(PTI News)
