Morkel backs Rohit's calmness and experience in line-up
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel dismissed concerns over the opener's form ahead of the ODI series decider against England at Lord's.
Morne Morkel has shown confidence in India veteran Rohit Sharma's experience, backing the opener's ability to bring a sense of calmness to India's batting line-up.
"It is hard work with a new ball up front. We’ve seen throughout the series that the ball is moving around," Morkel said, ahead of the final ODI in the three-match ODI series against England.
"Batting up front is not easy. No doubt Rohit will work it out.
"He has done it in the past, he is experienced. And he just brings that calmness to the batting line-up. So without a doubt, no worries and concerns at all with the way he is going about things."
Every six from Rohit Sharma | CWC23
Rohit Sharma hit 31 sixes in the World Cup.
With the Lord's wicket usually assisting pacers, the former Proteas pacer also urged the batters to adapt to the conditions and capitalise on the strong foundation. India failed to do that in the second ODI in Cardiff, where they collapsed from 178/3 to 233 all out.
"If you look at our top, top middle-order, they have played a lot of cricket, and are very experienced.
"They are very well aware of some of the conditions and how to form partnerships, and that is going to be the key.
"We have seen of late that it can be a tricky surface here at Lord's. So maybe give yourself that extra five to 10 balls just to get used to the pace of the surface," he added.
Morkel was high on praise for India's bowling in the previous match but also acknowledged the importance of getting wickets at regular intervals.
"It is crucial to get those wickets in the middle phase. We will keep working on ways to find those breakthroughs."
India will be without the services of all-rounder Washington Sundar, who is ruled out of the series due to a hamstring injury.
With the series serving as vital preparation for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027 next year in South Africa, Morkel is ready to provide his valuable 'local' inputs to the team.
"For us, at the moment it is about playing the best brand of cricket we can.
"There are definitely conversations about the World Cup and planning that potentially we can take forward once we reach there or get closer to the World Cup time.
"I have learned my trade in South Africa. I understand the surfaces, I understand that the wickets can play differently at certain times of the year.
"Definitely, I will put that forward to the team and to the table. From there, we just have to play our best cricket when it comes to the World Cup time."