Jasprit Bumrah unfit even for 3 Tests? Morne Morkel shocked with India pacer's condition

Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel made a huge statement on ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the five-match Test series against England, set to begin on June 20 in Leeds. Morkel revealed that he has been "blown away" by Jasprit Bumrah's energy in the three sessions the team has had so far.

With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from Tests, Jasprit Bumrah is one of the most experienced members of the Indian squad. Bumrah last played for India in the fifth Test against Australia in Sydney earlier this year. He took 32 wickets in the five matches before suffering a back injury in the final Test.

Blown Away to See the Energy on the Ball - Morne Morkel on Jasprit Bumrah

Morne Morkel showered praise on Jasprit Bumrah’s rhythm ahead of the first Test match. Morkel said he was impressed by Bumrah’s intensity and rhythm with the Dukes ball over the past three days. He added that the management would manage his workload throughout the tour.

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"Bumrah knows how to get himself ready, he knows how to prepare. I was blown away to see the energy on the ball the last three days. That's very exciting to see. I'm happy his body is in good shape at the moment," Morkel said on Wednesday, as quoted by ESPN Cricinfo.

"We'll manage him with that. We'll be smart with him because he's obviously key for us, but in terms of the first three net sessions, lot to be excited watching him bowl with the Dukes ball," he added.

I've Challenged Him to Bowl a Bit More - Morne Morkel on Nitish Kumar Reddy

Morne Morkel revealed that he has urged Nitish Kumar Reddy to bowl more during the England tour compared to his role in Australia. Morkel said that Reddy has the skill and potential to produce game-changing deliveries. However, he noted that improving consistency is key to his growth.

"The more bowling options we can have, that's great. He's skillful. He's a guy that can bowl that magical ball, so for him it's about creating that consistency, it's something we want to work on, it's important for his game as well. I've had conversations where I've challenged him to bowl a bit more," Morkel said.

"I want to see the ball more in his hands, we all know what he can do with the bat. For a team, if we can have the bowling options, especially in these conditions, I think he'll be exciting and can complement this bowling attack," he added.

India Set to Begin Preparations With Three-Day Intra-Squad Match

India are set to begin preparations for their five-Test series in England with a three-day intra-squad match in Beckenham from June 6. This practice game will be played behind closed doors, with players from both the senior Test squad and the India A side that recently faced the England Lions.

A major talking point ahead of the opener is India’s bowling combination. Jasprit Bumrah will lead a pace unit that also includes Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep. All-rounders Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy also provide seam-bowling options.

However, Thakur and Reddy struggled in the India A fixtures, raising uncertainty over who might feature as the fourth seamer if India opts for an all-rounder over a specialist pacer or second spinner.

Also read: Adil Rashid one step away from No.1 T20I bowler after England's 3-0 win over West Indies