Ahead of the crucial second Test against England, the Indian cricket team's practice session in Birmingham took a lighthearted turn when pace bowling coach Morne Morkel was seen engaging in some playful WWE-style wrestling moves with pacers Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep. A video of the incident went viral on social media, showing Morkel playfully putting Arshdeep in a chokehold and later pinning him to the ground.
Arshdeep Singh has revealed the reason behind the wrestling antics. In a video released by the BCCI, Arshdeep explained that Morkel has found a unique and entertaining way to signal the end of their training sessions. According to Arshdeep, Morkel declared that once their practice session concludes, he would perform a "last move" and pin him, signifying the end of practice. Arshdeep laughingly added, "He has found a new way to call off the day, and today he was just showing us that".
The viral video offered a glimpse into the team's environment ahead of a crucial match as India trails 0-1 in the five-match series. After failing to defend a target of 371 in the first Test, the Indian bowling attack has faced scrutiny. With the possibility of Jasprit Bumrah being rested to manage his workload, Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep are in contention to be included in the playing XI for the second Test.
Arshdeep, who is yet to make his Test debut, has a first-class record of 66 wickets in 21 games at an average of 30.37. Several former players have supported his inclusion in the second Test, believing his left-arm angle would add variety to the bowling attack. Akash Deep has played seven Tests, securing 15 wickets at 35.20.
While Morkel's lighthearted antics injected some fun into the training camp, the team remains focused on the upcoming Test. The second Test, which begins on July 2 in Birmingham, is crucial for India to level the series. The team hopes that the change of scenery and the possible inclusion of fresh faces like Arshdeep and Akash Deep will bring a change in fortune.
Despite the pressure, the team's morale seems high, as evidenced by the viral video. Morkel's creative approach to ending practice sessions and the potential debut of new bowlers suggest that India's preparations are anything but dull.
