Morne Morkel, the bowling coach for India, expressed surprise over the rapid deterioration of the pitch at Eden Gardens during the ongoing Test match against South Africa. He noted that the team did not anticipate how quickly the wickets would change, especially after a dynamic second day that resulted in 15 wickets falling.
Unexpected Pitch Conditions at Eden Gardens
The Test commenced with India resuming their innings at 37 for 1. They were ultimately bowled out for a total of 189 runs. Despite the struggles, India’s bowlers, particularly Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, applied immense pressure on South Africa, reducing them to 93 for 7. Only Temba Bavuma, who scored 29 runs off 78 balls, showed notable resilience.
Morkel’s Insights on Pitch Performance
Morkel candidly admitted that the pitch’s rapid wear caught the team off guard. “We thought it was a good wicket at first, but it deteriorated faster than we expected,” he explained after the day’s play finished. This unpredictability in pitch conditions poses significant challenges for teams playing in subcontinental territories.
Adapting to Conditions
According to Morkel, adaptability is crucial for success in these varying conditions. He stated, “The beauty of playing in the subcontinent is that you have to adjust to conditions swiftly.” Despite the pitch’s behavior, he highlighted India’s strategic strengths, emphasizing a balanced approach with both seam and spin bowling.
Strategic Approach to Batting
Morkel indicated that prior discussions described the pitch as favorable. The team’s strategy focused on attacking South Africa’s batting line-up rather than being overly concerned with pitch conditions. “We initially discussed how to target the South African batsmen,” he said.
Challenges in Batting
- Morkel noted that scoring runs requires patience and the ability to withstand challenging phases of play.
- K.L. Rahul’s 39 remains the highest score in the match, showcasing the difficulties faced by batters.
- He acknowledged that the batting plan must evolve, with each player needing to find their unique style of approaching the game.
Morkel concluded that the team fell short in the first innings and could have added 50 to 60 more runs. Notably, the early retirement of Shubman Gill due to injury added pressure to the batting order. He emphasized collective leadership and strategy as integral to the team’s success.
Selection Strategy Moving Forward
Despite the pitch surprising both teams, India’s choice of four spinners indicated a deeper understanding of the playing conditions. Morkel also emphasized that they would continue to adapt their selection based on each Test. “We’ll assess our choices test by test and play to our strengths,” he said, projecting a forward-thinking and responsive approach to matches ahead.
