India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel confirmed that wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant is dealing with a significant shoulder issue after the third day of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo. Pant had taken a blow while batting earlier in the match and did not keep wickets on Day 3 with Dhruv Jurel handling the gloves instead. Morkel gave a clear update at the post-day press conference about his injury and availability for the next two days. The former South African said that the team is hopeful that Pant can get back behind the stumps in the coming days.
“Rishabh Pant’s shoulder is badly bruised. He will be assessed overnight, we want his experience behind the stumps because he reads the game really well.” he said
The Indian team management will look for Pant’s presence behind the stumps considering his experience and ability to read the game. Officials will assess him overnight and decide on his availability for Day 4. Sri Lanka finished the day on 265 for eight. They are still short of the follow-on mark after India declared at 503 for nine. Rain and bad light had already interrupted play with Sonal Dinusha remaining unbeaten on 85 at the end of the Day 3.
‘Follow-On Will Be India’s First Target’: Morkel on India’s Approach for Day 4
Apart from the Pant update, Morne Morkel spoke at length about India’s approach for the remainder of the Colombo Test and the performance of the fast bowlers. He made it clear that enforcing the follow-on is the primary target with weather interruptions already affecting the match. The coaching staff wants to maximise overs against Sri Lanka and keep the pressure high. He said “Follow-on will be India’s first target, we want to get those wickets quickly and be brave and put them in again.”
The former South African pacer also praised Prasidh Krishna for his performance and character. “As a team and management we knew about the potential, for him it was about silencing those voices. He lets go of thoughts, loves bowling, does homework and research. Massive student of the game. Has potential and talent to play all formats for a very long time.”
Morkel also praised Mohammed Siraj for his relentless effort on a difficult surface and described him as a player any team would want as he is capable of bowling all day even with a sore body and remaining the key figure in the attack.
“Siraj is a guy you want in your team. He can bowl all day from one end with a sore body. Even today, in flat conditions. He kept running in and has been the key guy for us. Quite lucky to have him in the team. Prasidh has extra pace and bounce. We need to use him in phases. it can be risky. The whole team is behind him and supporting him even when results don't go his way. It's my job to talk through these things and give him confidence.” he said. India will look to wrap things up on Day 4 as they look to push for a win in the coming days.
