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As India opener Abhishek Sharma struggles to get his form back, the team’s bowling coach Morne Morkel wants him to recall his 54-ball 135 against England at the Wankhede Stadium on February 2 last year.
“He’s [Abhishek] not a guy who worries too much about technique. Normally, those sort of players take a lot more time to get into confidence. It’s a fresh page for him tomorrow [Thursday], an opportunity to go and do well. He has scored 100 here against England not so long ago. So, for him, it’s just about tapping into those little videos and looking at his feel-good moments and building a blueprint and knowing he’s starting on zero tomorrow,” Morkel said on the eve of India’s T20 World Cup semi-final at the Wankhede.
England skipper Harry Brook during practice at the Wankhede on Thursday. Pic/Ashish Raje
Abhishek has managed just 80 runs in six matches so far, but Morkel reckoned it’s only a matter of a couple of good strokes for him to hit form again. “Coming back to his form, Abhishek, his way of playing is one or two shots that can find him that rhythm that can give him that confidence back. And that, for me, is a pleasing sign,” added Morkel.
The former South African pacer also felt this is a learning phase for Abhishek, some similar to what Sanju Samson went through recently before emerging to score a match-winning 97 against West Indies. “Sometimes this game can be hard, cruel on you. It’s a similar situation that Sanju found himself in; in your career, you’re going to find moments like this. It’s a good learning for him [Abhishek]. This will only help him down the line,” added Morkel.
Meanwhile, England skipper Harry Brook wants his team to play a brave brand of cricket. “We’re obviously going into the game very confident; playing some good cricket. We haven’t quite played that perfect performance, but I feel it’s just around the corner. Hopefully, it’s tomorrow [Thursday]; we go out there and play with freedom, play brave,” said Brook.
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