Follow UsIndia were blown away by a 195-run partnership between Joe Root and Harry Brook as England got ever so close to winning the fifth Test at the Oval and taking the series 3-1. Even after Brook got out, the English needed only 42 more with Jacob Bethell and centurion Joe Root at the crease.
But inspired bowling by Prasidh Krishna saw England lose both of them in quick succession, and now they still need 356 more runs with just four wickets in hand, one of which is the seriously injured Chris Woakes.
Just like Prasidh, India's bowling coach hoped that another Indian pacer, Akash Deep, could produce a magical spell on Day 5 and take India to victory.
“Akash didn’t get it right today, but hopefully he produces a magic spell,” Morkel said. Akash bowled 20 overs and picked the solitary wicket of Harry Brook, who was basically looking to tee off and finish the game as soon as possible.
The Indian coach also credited Mohammed Siraj, who has so far bowled 26 overs in the second innings and has taken two wickets as well.
“I’m happy Siraj is getting recognition — he’s a natural leader,” he said. Siraj has indeed been the leader of the pack, with 20 wickets in the series so far.
Talking about India’s chances of a win at the Oval, Morkel praised the team for not throwing in the towel, even after being down and out at the end of the first two sessions of Day 4.
“We managed to break the partnership. Unfortunately, the rain came in, and we’ll come back tomorrow. You can’t afford to throw in the towel. The key was to break that partnership and create a bit of pressure,” said the former South Africa pacer.