Bowling coach Morne Morkel heaped praise on Jasprit Bumrah and his leadership skills before the opening Test against Australia, starting Friday, November 22 at the Perth Stadium. Bumrah is set to lead India for the second time in the absence of Rohit Sharma, who will miss out after recently becoming a father on November 15.
Earlier in 2022, Bumrah led India in the rescheduled fifth Test against England, but faced defeat by seven wickets. The 30-year-old pacer was also the vice-captain in the three-match series against Tom Latham’s New Zealand, which India lost 0-3. Morkel said that Bumrah can show the right path for the young pacers in the upcoming five-match Test series.
“Jassi is a guy who immediately put his hands up and wanted the leadership role. He has been very successful in the past, he knows what to expect, and he speaks well in the dressing room. He is a guy who will lead from the front with the ball in hand and younger guys will follow him,” Morkel said in the pre-match press conference.
‘Exciting challenge for Bumrah’
Morkel also said that the likes of Virat Kohli and KL Rahul can share their inputs with Bumrah and help him flourish as captain.
“For him, it’s an exciting challenge ahead. But again, we have got Virat, KL and a lot of experienced guys who will help him and I’m sure when he is bowling, it will bring a bit of calmness into the team. In terms of leadership and how he looks at the game, he’s a natural leader for me,” Morkel added.
Bumrah has an excellent record on Australian soil, having taken 32 wickets from seven Tests with a six-wicket haul to show for his efforts. After coming up trumps in 2018-19 and 2020-21, India are looking to win their third series on the trot on Australian soil.
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