Morne Morkel Subtly Challenges Harry Brook to Chase Down India’s Mammoth Total of 608 Runs

India's bowling coach Morne Morkel also dismissed claims that the team fears England's agressive 'Baz-Ball' style batting, following Headingley defeat.

Morne Morkel Subtly Challenges Harry Brook to Chase Down India’s Mammoth Total of 608 Runs

Morne Morkel wittily challenged England vice-captain Harry Brook to chase down the 608-run target, India has set. (via YouTube)

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Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel subtly challenged England’s Test vice-captain Harry Brook and his side to chase down the massive target, on the final day of the second Test at Edgbaston. The Men in Blue have set a target of 608 runs, with the Three Lions having reached 72/3.

India ended the fourth day’s play at Edgbaston at a much comfortable position, with the home side still remaining 536 runs away from victory. India’s first innings saw them post 587 runs, thanks to a record-breaking 269 from captain Shubman Gill, and vital contributions from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja. England were bowled out for 407 runs in the first innings, giving India a comfortable 180-run lead.

However, despite the Three Lions falling short of India’s 587 runs in the first innings and losing a majority of their batters on single digit scores, they did show off their capabilities in scoring runs at a fast pace, a hallmark of their newfound ‘Baz-Ball’ style of playing Test cricket. On Day 3, Harry Brook and Jamie Smith launched an impressive display of power-hitting, forging a crucial 303-run sixth-wicket stand.

Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep were the bright spots, collectively taking all ten wickets for India in the innings. On Day 4, India batting again, extended their lead by another 427 runs before declaring. The visitors took advantage of the flat Edgbaston tracks, with Gill scoring 161 runs, becoming only the second Indian batter after Sunil Gavaskar to score a double hundred and a hundred in a single Test match.

By the end of Day 4, England was struggling at 72/3, having lost Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Joe Root. Chasing the remaining 536 runs on the final day would require more than just ‘Baz-Ball’. The home team will heavily rely on vice-captain Harry Brook, who scored 158 in the first innings, to bring them close to the target. Brook had previously expressed confidence that England would pursue any target India set, emphasizing the hosts’ ability to mount a strong comeback:

Harry Brook said yesterday that they would go for the chase, we are in for an exciting day of cricket. England have got success playing that style of cricket. If they are happy to take it on (so be it).

Harry Brook’s comments did not go unanswered, as Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel challenged the 26-year-old and his side to attempt and chase down the target, if they believe they can do so. Morkel even labeled Brook an ‘entertainer’ for his aggressive approach, while anticipating an ‘exciting’ final day. He surprisingly suggested that the ‘Baz-Ball’ style of play, while initially effective, might need reassessment in the future:

[Harry] Brook likes to take the game on and he’s an entertainer. That’s a brand of cricket they want to play. They probably might have a go for a while and then reassess.

Moreover, Morne Morkel dismissed any concern about the final day’s play or England chasing the target, stating his trust in the Indian bowlers. He also refuted claims that India delayed their second innings declaration out of fear of England’s ‘Baz-Ball’ approach, instead clarifying that it was all a part of the plan.

Mohammed Siraj Deserves More Credit, Says Morne Morkel Following Edgbaston Masterclass

India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel heaped praise on Mohammed Siraj, following his Edgbaston masterclass. The 31-year-old pacer scalped an impressive six-wicket haul in the first innings of the second Test, helping restrict England to 407 runs. 

Morne Morkel on Mohammed Siraj
Morne Morkel stated that Mohammed Siraj is not given the credit that he deserves, following his Edgbaston heroics. (via ESPN Cricinfo)

Siraj concluded the first innings with figures of 6/70 and claimed another wicket before the close of Day 4, bolstering India’s chances to level the five-match Test series at 1-1. Morne Morkel stated that Siraj does not receive enough credit for his performances, especially for his immense effort. He also lauded the Indian pacer for effectively leading the bowling attack in Jasprit Bumrah‘s absence.

Additionally, he exclaimed that Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep excelled on an Edgbaston pitch, which has offered very little help to bowlers. He specifically praised 28-year-old Akash Deep for his precise line and ability to target the stumps, which secured crucial breakthroughs for the team.