On Friday, September 13, Team India‘s new bowling coach, Morne Morkel, joined the squad in preparation for the first Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh in Chennai. The opening match is scheduled to take place at MA Chidambaram Stadium starting September 19.
Morkel joined the team a month after his appointment as bowling coach in August, succeeding former India fast bowler Paras Mhambrey. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) posted pictures of Team India’s squad and coaches on X, featuring Morkel as well. Here’s a look:
The countdown starts as #TeamIndia begin their preps for an exciting home season.#INDvBAN pic.twitter.com/VlIvau5AfD
— BCCI (@BCCI) September 13, 2024
Now Morkel is going to collaborate with Gautam Gambhir again. During their initial two years of participation in IPL, this pair has worked together for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Prior to the tour of Sri Lanka in June, Gambhir’s assistants were already named by the BCCI – including his right-hand men; the fielding coach T Dilip, and his two other aides; assistant coaches Abhishek Nayar and Ryan Ten Doeschate respectively. Dilip has remained in post after the T20 World Cup 2024.
In addition to LSG, Morne Morkel has also had a stint with Pakistan and Durban Super Giants. In particular terms, he would have to ensure that there is sufficient fast bowling bench strength in India for 10 Tests this season which comprise series against countries like Bangladesh, New Zealand as well as Austriala.
Morkel has appeared in 86 Tests, 117 ODIs, and 44 T20Is for the Proteas, amassing a total of 544 wickets across all formats.
“He will be surrounded by some very good players” –Albie Morkel on Morne Morkel’s new role as India’s bowling coach
Albie Morkel recently expressed his support for his younger brother Morne Morkel to excel as India’s new bowling coach. The 43-year-old shared his thoughts with Mid-Day (through The Times of India):
“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.”
“He will be surrounded by some very good players who have achieved a lot, so I guess, for him, it’s a matter of earning their trust and believing that he can help to reach their full potential day in and day out,” he added.
Albie Morkel played for South Africa in one Test, 58 ODIs, and 50 T20Is.
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