Morne Morkel

Rishabh Pant is dealing with a severely bruised shoulder that is affecting his performance as a wicketkeeper. On day three of the Test match, India's bowlers had a challenging time dismissing the Sri Lankan team, but Prasidh Krishna exhibited commendable skill with his energetic spells. Mohammed Siraj also put in a tireless effort on a tough pitch, as India pushe for a swift end to enforce the follow-on.

India endured a frustrating day in Colombo, allowing Sri Lanka's Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Kamindu Mendis to dictate terms before three late wickets gave the visitors a foothold. With rain cutting the day short, Sonal Dinusha remains the last major hurdle between India and a series clean sweep.

Kuldeep brings left-arm wrist spin and an attacking option, Jadeja relies on accuracy, while Suthar bowls a more traditional left-arm spin.

Morne Morkel, the Indian bowling coach, is gearing up for a tough series in Sri Lanka, knowing the oppressive heat and humidity will influence the Kookaburra ball's behavior. With Jasprit Bumrah sidelined due to injury, the pacers must quickly adapt their strategies, capitalizing on the new ball's potential before it deteriorates. Sustaining pressure and intensity will be crucial for India's seamers in the upcoming matches.

Josh Hazlewood made a memorable Test comeback against Bangladesh, taking 6/89 in Darwin and reaching 301 Test wickets, becoming only the ninth Australian to achieve the milestone. He also became the first Australian fast bowler to claim a five-wicket haul against Bangladesh in international cricket. His performance surpassed Ian Harvey’s previous best figures for an Australian pacer.

Galle may not offer the raging turner many expected, with the pitch looking set to reward batting early before spin comes into play. India, meanwhile, appear inclined towards the safer three-spinner combination, prioritising batting depth and variety.

Shubman Gill's aggressive approach against spin was on full display in India's first net session in Colombo, with the captain repeatedly using his feet and clearing the ropes against Ravindra Jadeja, Manav Suthar and Saransh Jain. With Kuldeep Yadav's place under discussion, India's spin combination is another key selection call ahead of the second Test.

As India gear up for the Galle Test match, the bowling strategy may feature three left-arm spinners vying for selection: Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and rookie Manav Suthar. The dry Galle pitch is anticipated to increasingly support spin bowlers, while fast bowlers will contend with challenging heat and humidity, necessitating short yet vigorous bowling spells for effective performance.

Despite a previous mishap, Harsh Gujral triumphed in a high-stakes elimination challenge, where he grappled with team disappointment and intense pressure. His stunning success in the challenging melting wax stunt allowed him to dodge elimination, showcasing an impressive comeback after a watery plunge in an earlier task. Concern erupted among fans when he posted a troubling video revealing his injured hands.

Shubman Gill practiced batting after an impact injury on his thumb. He taped around his thumb and focused on spin during his session. The team management is cautious about risking him before crucial upcoming fixtures. India faces several injury concerns and will name a replacement for Sai Sudharsan. Shaik Rasheed, Sarfaraz Khan, and Ruturaj Gaikwad are top contenders for the vacant spot.

Ryan ten Doeschate has resigned as India's assistant coach after two years. Subhadeep Ghosh will now serve as the team's new fielding coach. Ten Doeschate cited personal reasons for stepping away from the demanding role. His final assignment was the recent white-ball tour of England. Ghosh's first international assignment will be the Sri Lanka Test series.

Bowling coach Morne Morkel expressed confidence in Rohit Sharma's current form. He acknowledged challenging conditions for opening batters throughout the series. Morkel highlighted Rohit's experience and calming influence on the batting lineup. India's batting unit needs to adapt quicker to Lord's conditions. Breaking middle-over partnerships remains a key bowling concern for the team.

From dedicating his maiden India call-up to his late father to reuniting with bowling coach Morne Morkel, Yash Thakur reflects on the journey behind his biggest career milestone. In an exclusive interview with TimesofIndia. com, the Punjab Kings pacer opens up about Shreyas Iyer's faith in his bowlers, the winning mindset instilled by Ricky Ponting, and why pressure situations bring out the best in him.

BCCI Says It Stands By Opener But Lord’s ODI Today Presents His Biggest Challenge Yet

Two years after injuries threatened to derail his career, Mayank Yadav announced his return with a fiery 2 for 18 against Zimbabwe. While his father prayed for his fitness during the Govardhan Parikrama in Mathura, the Delhi pacer touched 149 kph and reminded everyone why the Indian cricket board never stopped believing in him.

With retirement speculation growing and pressure mounting after a lean ODI series, Rohit Sharma attended India's optional practice session at Lord's. Former India captain looked in good touch as he prepared ahead of the series decider at Lord’s.

Indian cricket board may need new support staff after England tour concludes. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate and fast bowling coach Morne Morkel are considering leaving. VVS Laxman will lead a separate coaching team for the Zimbabwe series. Fielding coach T Dilip is also under scrutiny due to team performance. The board is discussing options to resolve these potential staff departures.

At least one prominent support staff member is likely to leave the Team India camp despite having an extension clause in the contract. The possible exits, unrelated to the recent T20I defeats, come amid dressing-room unease and growing differences between the coaching staff and selectors.

After a disastrous T20I tour, India begin their ODI World Cup build-up against England at Edgbaston. With injuries forcing changes, Shubman Gill's side will look to reset, test combinations and lean on the experience of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah as preparations for the 2027 World Cup gather pace.

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel affirmed continued backing for openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, despite calls for 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's debut. Morkel emphasised faith in proven performers and avoiding disrupting batting order. He praised Sooryavanshi's smooth integration and potential readiness for future opportunities, while also commending pacers Prince Yadav and Harshit Rana for their impressive performances.