Albie Morkel reveals which Indian bowler Morne Morkel would love to work with
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Former South Africa allrounder Albie Morkel has broken the silence on his brother Morne Morkel's appointment as India's new bowling coach.
Albie also revealed that Jasprit Bumrah is the bowler with whom Morne Morkel would love to work with.
Morne Morkel's name was recommended by India's head coach Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir has worked with Morkel on numerous occasions.
Both played for Kolkata Knight Riders during their playing tenures. In 2022 and 2023, Gautam Gambhir and Morne Morkel were part of the coaching staff of Lucknow Super Giants.
Morkel's appointment as India's bowling coach was confirmed by BCCI secretary Jay Shah a few days ago. His contract is set to begin on September 1 and will carry on till 2027.
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Albie Morkel reveals which Indian bowler Morne Morkel would love to work with
During a chat with the Mid-Day, Albie Morkel reckoned that Jasprit Bumrah is the bowler with whom Morne Morkel would love to work with. Albie also claimed that Bunrah is currently the best all-format bowler in the world and is a special one.
"Not sure but Zaheer Khan and Jasprit Bumrah," Albie Morkel said when asked which Indian bowlers - overall - Morkel admires.
"Once again, I don’t know what his exact thoughts would be, but Jasprit (Bumrah) is the best all-format bowler in the world. He is very special and I’m sure Morne (Morkel) would love to work with him," the legendary allrounder added.
Jasprit Bumrah's current form
Jasprit Bumrah is India's bowling spearhead at the moment. The right-arm fast bowler played a crucial role in India's historic T20 World Cup 2024 win in June.
Bumrah was instrumental in India's title win as he picked up 15 wickets in 8 matches at an average of just 8.26 and an unbelievable economy rate of 4.17.
Bumrah has been one of the most consistent performers in world cricket at the moment. His absence was felt by India during the ODI series against Sri Lanka as India lost to the home team 0-2.
When will Jasprit Bumrah be back on the field?
The 30-year-old quick has been given rest since the T20 World Cup 2024. He is likely to come back into the team for India's three-match home Test series against New Zealand.
It is believed that India's team management wants a fully fit Jasprit Bumrah for the all-important Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 to be played later this year.
Meanwhile, Morne Morkel's first assignment as India's bowling coach will be the home Test series against Bangladesh which is set to begin on September 19. At 39, he is one of the youngest coaches in the world right now.
Morne Morkel was a world-class fast bowler during his time. He has played a significant amount of cricket in all formats of the game.
His experience of playing on bouncy surfaces in South Africa and Australia is likely to be helpful for the Indian bowlers. Morkel also has a responsibility to develop India's upcoming crop of fast bowlers.