Morkel advises bowlers to prepare for Wellington wind with household fan
India's bowling coach suggests unconventional preparation method for Wellington's notorious crosswinds ahead of Test series.
Morne Morkel said bowlers should walk straight into a strong fan at home to prepare for the windy conditions expected at Wellington's Basin Reserve during India's first Test in November. The coach noted the hotel building was shaking from wind gusts during the T20I series.
Strong winds can affect a bowler's balance and release, complicate yorkers and slower deliveries, and make it harder for batters to maintain their stance. Morkel said India would use limited preparation time to understand wind effects before trusting execution in matches.
The coach emphasised that someone would need to bowl into the wind, stating the team cannot have four bowlers operating with the wind at their backs. Dew has already complicated defending totals in the T20I series, adding another layer to the challenge.
CricHubb Take
The fan advice reveals how little control teams have over external conditions once matches begin. Morkel's emphasis on mental preparation shows the wind's greatest impact may be psychological rather than purely technical.