Cricket a funny game: Morne Morkel not writing off India's chances in Pune Test

India vs New Zealand: While calling for a smarter approach from India batters, Morne Morkel said the hosts have not given up hopes of mounting a comeback and winning the second Test in Pune.

In Short

• New Zealand stretched their lead to 301 runs at Stumps on Day 2
• India were skittled out for 156 in their first innings
• India last lost a home Test series in 2012

India's bowling coach, Morne Morkel, said that the team aims to win the second Test in Pune, despite the daunting situation at the end of the second day's play. New Zealand concluded the day at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium on 198 for 5, extending their lead to 301 runs.

India were dismissed for just 156 in their first innings, with their batters, including star player Virat Kohli, faltering against the spin attack. Left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner delivered a career-best performance, taking seven wickets to dismantle the Indian batting lineup on Day 2.

IND vs NZ 2nd Test Day 2 Highlights

India are now facing the prospect of losing a home Test series for the first time since 2012. They suffered defeat in the opening Test in Bengaluru by eight wickets, after being skittled out for a mere 46 runs in their first innings on a pitch that favoured pace.

To secure victory in this Test, India may need to chase down more than 300 runs for the first time since 2008. However, given the pitch's ongoing assistance to spin bowling from Day 1, the hosts' chances appear slim.

"We have to believe. This game can be unpredictable. Our players are attacking and know these conditions well. There was talk before this match that 'we are masters of these conditions; we know how to handle them'," Morkel told the press.

Nevertheless, the bowling coach acknowledged the challenges ahead.

"Let's be honest, it's going to be a tough task; it won’t be easy. But it presents an opportunity for someone to inspire and deliver a fighting performance. That’s how I see it: when conditions are tricky, we will witness the true character of our players."

He added, "If we demonstrate that fighting spirit and someone gains momentum in these conditions, you never know. I believe the team can respond strongly in our second innings. I'm excited to see how they adapt to the situation and the conditions."

Aside from Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Shubman Gill, the remaining batters struggled to cope with New Zealand's spin threat. Virat Kohli faced criticism for missing a full toss from Mitchell Santner in the first innings—something that even surprised the bowler.

Morkel said that India have struggled to find their footing in the first innings of the series, attributing this to the batters’ inability to adapt to the conditions.

In Bengaluru, India tried to hit their way out of trouble on an overcast morning, with a pitch that retained moisture from overnight rain on Day 1, ultimately succumbing for just 46 runs.

MORKEL CALLS FOR SMARTER BATTING

In Pune, the team failed to exhibit the defensive skills required to counter the spin threat, capitulating cheaply while trying to be overly aggressive.

"I honestly can't pinpoint a specific issue. The conversations we've had before the match emphasised the importance of intensity, good body language, and a proactive approach on these pitches. The players are trying, so we can’t fault that."

He added, "Perhaps, at times, we could approach the situation with a bit more smartness. We need to think about individual strategies for getting off strike. These are small mistakes we’re currently overlooking."

"I believe it’s just a matter of establishing one or two partnerships. Maybe we need to battle through a couple of overs before looking to score. Right now, we’re struggling to find the rhythm and momentum necessary to gain the upper hand," he said.

India can take encouragement from their spirited second innings in the first Test, where they scored ten times more than in their first innings, albeit in more favourable batting conditions.