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As the Indian cricket team gears up for its first Test match in over six months, Morne Morkel steps into the role of bowling coach, marking a significant transition for the squad. The team has assembled in Chennai for a preparatory camp ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, commencing on September 19 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.
Morne Morkel’s New Role
Morne Morkel’s appointment as Team India’s bowling coach was officially announced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in August 2024. Morkel, a former South African fast bowler with an impressive international record of 544 wickets across formats, brings a wealth of experience to the coaching staff. His hiring was influenced by head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has been instrumental in reshaping the team’s dynamics following Rahul Dravid’s departure from the coaching role.
Morkel’s first assignment with the team has already seen him actively involved in practice sessions, where he was observed guiding players during their initial training. His expertise is expected to enhance the bowling unit, which has faced challenges in recent series.
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Preparations for the Bangladesh Series
The Indian team players have returned to action after a month-long break, during which they participated in various formats, including the IPL and T20 World Cup. The preparatory camp is crucial for the players to regain their rhythm and focus on the upcoming challenges.
The first Test against Bangladesh is particularly significant, as it marks the return of key players like Rishabh Pant, who is rejoining the red-ball setup after a serious car accident in late 2022. The squad also includes seasoned players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, both of whom are eager to contribute to the team’s success.
Upcoming Matches and Series Context
Following the Chennai Test, the second match of the series is set to take place at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur on September 27. This series is pivotal for India as they currently lead the World Test Championship (WTC) points table with 68.52 percentage points. In contrast, Bangladesh, buoyed by their recent clean sweep against Pakistan, sits fourth with 45.83 percentage points.
The series will not only test the skills of both teams but also set the tone for India’s upcoming home season, which includes a three-Test series against New Zealand and the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar series against Australia later this year.
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