'They are little bit greedy': India's bowling coach admits Bumrah lacking support from Siraj and Anshul Kamboj

India.com

26-07-2025

Shubman Gill-led India finds itself on the back foot in the fourth Test at Old Trafford, with England crossing the 500-run mark and their lead approaching 200. At stumps on Day 3, were at 544/7, with Ben Stokes unbeaten on 77 and Liam Dawson on 21. None of the Indian bowlers managed put pressure, as the runs flowed freely throughout the day.
Joe Root smashed his 38th Test century and also became the second-highest run-scorer in Tests, surpassing former Australia great Ricky Ponting.
After the end of Day 3, India's bowling coach Morne Morkel admitted that the bowlers struggled to build pressure on the opposition. He pointed out that while Jasprit Bumrah maintained control, he received little to no support from the other end.
On Day 3 of the Manchester Test, Washington Sundar grabbed two wickets as he removed Ollie Pope and Harry Brook. However, Shubman Gill's decision to introduce Sundar into the attack so late raised eyebrows, and he faced criticism for his tactical choices.
Morkel on Bumrah lacking support from other end
India's bowling coach Morne Morkel stated that Bumrah could have taken wickets if he had received better support from the other end.
'For him to be successful, we need to build partnerships. The other guys need to help him out, and I think at times, the guys are also trying from the other end, they are a little bit greedy — trying to strive too much, and that's how we leak and sort of release that pressure,' Morkel told reporters.
'You can't say anything about Bumrah, he's number one in the world, he's skilful. At times, you need help from the other end,' he added.
Talking about the match, Anshul Kamboj, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur have all been expensive, conceding runs at over 4 per over. Bumrah, meanwhile, has bowled 28 overs so far, conceding 95 runs, and taking just 1 wicket. If Bumrah gives away five more runs, it will be the first time in his Test career that he has gone for 100 runs in a single innings.
Morne Morkel expressed his disappointment with India's bowling performance
Morne Morkel expressed disappointment over India's poor execution with the ball, admitting that their bowling performance has significantly set them back in the match.
'Our execution let us down, so I think it's not so much to blame on the combinations we went with; it's more the fact that we let ourselves down with our execution. I haven't seen a pitch map where we basically leaked runs, I think 100 runs on both sides, normally like a bit of a split. For me, yesterday was either a sign that we were too greedy, but we couldn't stick to the plan, and then from there we found ourselves chasing the game a little bit,' said Morkel.
Another instance which raised eyebrows was handing the new ball to Anshul Kamboj instead of Mohammed Siraj, while explaining this call, Morkel said,'See if we attack first with Bumrah and Siraj up front, then we have to go to less experienced guys at first change. So that is a bit of a tricky one, but looking back at yesterday, you back a guy that's picked on his strength — which being Anshul bowls with the new ball with the best bowler in the world. Siraj has been doing a fantastic job bowling first change.