"Don't think as a bowling unit, they expected that" - Morne Morkel on India's record-breaking batting effort on Day 4 of 2nd IND vs BAN 2024 Test
Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel has acknowledged that the hosts went into Day 4 of the Kanpur Test against Bangladesh on Monday, September 30, with the intent that they can still win the match. Morkel opined India's stunning assault on Bangladesh's bowlers seemed to catch the visitors off guard.
After two days of the Kanpur Test were washed out, play resumed on Day 4 on Monday. Bangladesh, 107-3 on stumps on Day 1, were all-out for 233. India then came out and smashed 285-9 in just 34.4 overs before declaring the innings. At stumps on Day 4, Bangladesh were 26-2, trailing India by 26 runs.
Speaking at the press conference after the end of the fourth day's play, Morkel asserted that, despite the time lost, India went into Day 4 in Kanpur believing a result could still be achieved.
"That was our message this morning [to go for a win]. With losing two days of the Test, how we start this morning... To show that positive intent was going to be key. Two days left in the Test match, extended sessions, there's still a lot of cricket, lot of time left in the game," Morkel said (via Hindustan Times)
"The ways the boys went with the ball upfront was incredible to see. To show that intent with the bat was awesome. I don't think as a bowling unit, they expected that to happen. But, it was always part of our game plan," the 39-year-old added.
During their exhilarating batting effort, India broke the record for the fastest team 50 and the fastest to 100, 150, 200, and 250 in Tests.
"He is a complete package" - Morne Morkel on Ravindra Jadeja's 300 Test scalps
Before the batters went on a record-breaking spree, left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja also achieved a huge landmark, picking up his 300th Test wicket. The seasoned bowler got there with a caught and bowled to dismiss Khaled Ahmed (0). Asked for his thoughts on Jadeja in the aforementioned conference, the former Proteas speedster replied:
"For me, he is a complete package. He bats, he bowls. He's a guy in the field that can make magic happen. An X-factor player and a guy you always want in the team. He's done that for so many years for India. To join the 300 club is a special club. He's also a guy who works hard on his game. What a cricketer for India. Just so happy for him to reach that milestone."
Playing in his 74th Test match, Jadeja has claimed 300 wickets at an average of 24, with 13 five-fers. The left-handed batter has also scored over 3,000 runs, with four centuries and 21 fifties.