IND vs BAN: Morne Morkel joins Team India’s preparations for 1st Test against Bangladesh

Team India's new bowling coach, Morne Morkel, joined the national cricket team ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh at home. Morne Morkel officially took on his role after being appointed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) at the start of this month.

The Indian team started their preparations for the home series after a one-month break. The first Test match will be played at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai starting on September 19. India will play the second and final Test at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur from September 27 onwards.

Bowling coach Morne Morkel joins Team India

The BCCI has organized a preparatory camp for the Indian cricket team. Team India last played a Test match against England in March this year. After the five-match Test series, India has focused on white-ball cricket, including the IPL 2024, T20 World Cup 2024, and ODIs and T20Is against Sri Lanka.

On Friday, September 13, Morne Morkel joined the Indian cricket team after replacing Paras Mhambrey. The BCCI shared photos of the team's first practice day on X (formerly Twitter). The images featured the players, support staff, and Rohit Sharma engaging in the session led by Gautam Gambhir.

"The countdown starts as Team India begin their preps for an exciting home season," wrote the caption.

The countdown starts as #TeamIndia begin their preps for an exciting home season.#INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/VlIvau5AfD

— BCCI (@BCCI) September 13, 2024

Team Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and star batter Virat Kohli arrived in Chennai. Rohit and Virat were last seen in action for Team India in the ODI series against Sri Lanka, which India lost 2-0. They were also not included in any of the four squads for the first round of the Duleep Trophy 2024.

India is at the top of the WTC 2023-25 points table with 68.52 percentage points. Bangladesh has moved up to fourth place with 45.83 percentage points after securing a 2-0 victory over Pakistan. Team India will be hoping to continue dominance at home in the longer format of the game.

Makes It A Job With No Room For Error - Albie Morkel

Former South African cricketer Albie Morkel recently expressed confidence in his younger brother Morne Morkel's ability to succeed as India’s new bowling coach. Albie highlighted the responsibility and high expectations that come with the role.

“It goes without saying that being on the Indian team's coaching staff is probably the biggest responsibility or coaching job out there. The passion for the sport and the success that the team had in the past makes it a job with no room for error," the 43-year-old told Mid-Day (via The Times of India).

Morne Morkel previously worked as a bowling coach for the Pakistan cricket team. The 39-year-old also collaborated with Gautam Gambhir at the Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL. Morne Morkel played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is for South Africa, taking 544 wickets across three formats in international cricket.

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