India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel has revealed that left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh is in their plans for the Test matches. Singh hasn’t been picked in the two-match Test series squad against New Zealand.
Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep are India’s four fast bowlers, who are picked for the Test series.
However, Singh is currently part of India’s T20I squad. He is also part of India’s ODI squad against the Blackcaps.
“We are sort of planning, you know, a group of bowlers that we would like to potentially stay behind as cover (for Tests) because of the schedule. I also think closer to the time, once we get a better understanding of the conditions at this time of the year, you know, we will get a clear picture in terms of the makeup of our bowling unit.” Morkel said in the pre-match press conference,
“So at the moment, on paper, in the back of our minds, there are a nice group of bowlers that can suit all the conditions, and Arshdeep is definitely in that conversation. And yeah, I mean, in terms of that, he is a guy who always, you know, works hard. He ticks all the boxes. So if needed with the red ball, I am pretty sure, you know, you will be fine,” Morkel said.
Arshdeep Singh has scalped 73 wickets in 24 first-class matches at an average of 30.71.
The former South African seamer said India A players are also been prepared for the red-ball format.
“I am pretty sure you’re aware there are a couple of guys playing in the India A getting ready for red-ball cricket. In the 50 overs, we will also rotate and give guys, you know, the game time that is needed, we felt for the Test matches. So I think we have got a— I am gonna touch wood— a bulletproof plan at the moment in terms of how we have mapped everything out,” Morkel said.
The first Test match between India and New Zealand begins on November 19.
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