Morkel Leaves Door Open For India To Enforce Follow-On With Rain Forecast In Colombo

India bowling coach Morne Morkel said the team could choose to enforce the follow-on against Sri Lanka in the second Test in Colombo if the situation allows. Such a move would go against the recent trend, but India will also have to consider the weather, with only 222 overs completed in the first three days.

Sri Lanka finished day three needing 39 more runs to avoid the follow-on. Sonal Dinusha, who has been their top batter in the series, was unbeaten on 85 and was involved in a ninth-wicket partnership that had already lasted more than 15 overs. India, meanwhile, had the second new ball, which was only 3.2 overs old and was creating more chances than the older, softer ball.

"That will be the first prize… that we can get those two wickets tomorrow early. I know it's a cliche thing, but you know, with the weather around and sometimes the time it takes with taking the covers on and off, we want to try and get as many overs as possible to the Sri Lankans.” said India bowling coach Morne Morkel.

“So hopefully, we can get those wickets tomorrow and then be brave, put them in, and bowl well." added Morne Morkel.

Morkel further said that India understands how tough bowling could become, especially when the ball goes soft. So, they will keep every factor in mind before making any decision on the fourth day of the second Test.

"It is hard work out there, you know. I think sometimes even us, we get sucked in that expectation where we think it looks slightly dry and we need to bowl teams out for under 200. But unfortunately, at times it's not gonna work like that. It's tough conditions; it's hot, hot conditions. The ball goes soft quite quickly.” said Morne Morkel.

"As the boys walked in there tonight, I said to them it is a proper day of Test cricket, and this is how we're gonna learn. This is how we're gonna grow. We always talk about bowling in partnerships, about creating pressure, and this is how you develop it - on days like today, when there's a batting partnership going [on]. You can break it. The key is to define that breakthrough, and then how well can you start your next thing." added Morne Morkel.