Following India's disappointing performance on Day 2 of the Adelaide Test against Australia on Saturday, December 7, their bowling coach Morne Morkel came to address the media. With a composed demeanor, he skillfully handled the questions posed to him.
Morne Morke has his say on Mohammed Siraj's aggressive send-off to Travis Head
The first question which was shot at him was Mohammed Siraj's fiery send-off to centurion Travis Head. Morkel responded to the query by saying that Siraj is a kind of bowler who puts everything on the line. However, he doused the fire by saying that the duo is the best of the mates off the field.
“We all know Siraj puts everything on the line, he is the kind of bowler, who will run in all day. There are some moments in a game. But I am sure off the field they will be the best of mates,” Morkel said, in the press conference after Day 2 stumps.
Both Siraj and Head were involved in a verbal altercation on the second day of the Adelaide Test. The incident occurred after Siraj dismissed Head, who had just scored a brilliant century. Siraj followed up the wicket with an aggressive send-off, which provoked a strong response from Head. The two players exchanged words, and Siraj even gestured for Head to leave the field.
At the end of Day 2's play, even Head also touched base on the exchange and provided further insights about the incident.
"[on the face-off with Siraj after getting out] I said well bowled, but he thought otherwise, slightly disappointed with what transpired, but it is what it is. If that's how they want to represent themselves so be it."
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Morkel also talked about India's bowling in the Adelaide Test and admitted that they weren't up to the mark on Day 1, however, slightly better on Day 2.
“Yesterday (Friday), the lines and lengths could have been better, there was some extra swing too. Thought they did well today (Saturday) morning before Travis Head played his innings. He put the bowlers under pressure but that’s the way he plays,” Morkel added.
Meanwhile, Australia are in total command of the ongoing second Test against India. While replying to India's lowly 180, Australia rode on Head's superlative century to post a 337 runs on the board and take a 157-run lead. In reply, India found themselves lurching at 128/5 by the end of Day 2 with Rishabh Pant (28) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (15) intact on the crease.
