‘Needs to be backed…’: Indian coach claims Prasidh Krishna can be magical for the team in long run

Speaking to reporters after rain forced the series decider to day five with England needing 35 runs and four wickets in hand, Morne Morkel praised Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj for keeping India in the game despite hundreds from Joe Root and Harry Brook on day four.

“In the same breath as Siraj, Prasidh has also in this tour found a bit of confidence. If you look at the first Test match to today, his consistency, his line and lengths, he improved a lot and he’s a guy that I believe can be a very good Test bowler for India,” said Morkel.

“He’s just a guy that needs a bit of time and he needs to be backed with a bit of confidence and every spell, he’s a guy that can create that magic ball for you with an extra bounce and pace,” said the former South Africa fast bowler.

Prasidh struck twice in the final session to keep India alive in the game while Siraj once again put his tired body on the line and bowled an extended eight-over spell in the morning before building pressure alongside Prasidh in the last half hour of play.