Team India bowling coach Morne Morkel took a cheeky jab at England middle-order batter Harry Brook ahead of Day 5 of the second Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Morkel recalled Brook’s confident claim that England would go after any target set by India but added that they might have to rethink it.
India, led by Shubman Gill, ended their second innings at a total of 427 for 6, allowing themselves close to four sessions to dismiss England. Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and the rest of the bowling attack will have to pick the remaining seven wickets in the final innings to seal the result on the final day.
This would be India’s maiden Test victory at Edgbaston. With England still needing 536 runs and only seven wickets in hand, the visitors are favorites to secure the victory.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Morne Morkel added that the England batters may attempt a few attacking strokes early on before re-evaluating their approach. Morkel noted that the pitch was still offering good value for runs.
"It's definitely going to be an exciting day of cricket. I mean, he (Harry Brook) did say last night in the media that they're going to chase after everything or anything that we set for them. So, look, yeah, like I said, they're attacking players," Morne Morkel said.
"That's the brand of cricket they want to play. They might have a go at it for a while and then reassess. But yeah, I think we're in for an exciting day of cricket. It's still fast-scoring. The wicket is still playing nicely. So, let's see," Morne Morkel added.
Challenge accepted, #HarryBrook! ?#TeamIndia’s bowling coach #MorneMorkel weighs in on England’s fearless approach, and why Day 5 at Edgbaston is set up for a thrilling finish! ?#ENGvIND ? 2nd Test, Day 5 | SUN, 6th JULY, 2:30 PM | Streaming on JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/eyw4SfqkqM
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 6, 2025
What Harry Brook Said About Chasing the Target in the Fourth Innings?
England vice-captain Harry Brook had made a bold statement before Day 4. He stated that his team was ready to pursue any target India might set. Brook added that the world already knew of England’s intent to go after any total in the fourth innings of the match.
“I think everybody in the world knows that we’re going to try and chase whatever they set us," Brook said in the press conference.
Brook, who scored 158, and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who remained unbeaten on 184, revived England’s first innings. The duo added a 303-run stand for the sixth wicket after England had slumped to 84 for 5. However, England lost their last five wickets for just 20 runs and finished with a total of 407.
I Have a Lot of Respect For Mohammed Siraj - Morne Morkel
Morne Morkel heaped praise on Mohammed Siraj for his commitment and work ethic after the pacer claimed six wickets in England’s first innings. The former South African pacer said Siraj plays a crucial role that isn’t always reflected in the numbers.
“Siraj he is a guy that I have lot of respect for. He pushes his body to the limit. He can try too hard at times and that can make you inconsistent. But he really puts his heart on his sleeve. He does the dirty job for the team and that doesn’t reflect in the wickets column at times," the former South Africa fast bowler said.
Also read: "Never understood the hype around Ben Stokes"- India veteran brutally mocks England Captain
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