 "Morne Morkel says it will be a high-scoring game at Wankhede. Image: BCCI")
India and England are all set to take on each other at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in the second semifinal of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 on Thursday, March 5. Ahead of the big clash, India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel shared his honest thoughts on the high-stakes match.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Morkel admitted that India have not been perfect in the field so far in the tournament. He said the team has at times given away 15-20 runs extra because of dropped catches and misfields. In a ground like Wankhede, where scores of 200 are common, those extra runs can make a big difference.
“At times we’re guilty, if we’re honest, of giving away maybe 15-20 runs in the field. Nobody looks to drop a catch on purpose. It’s not like we don’t train it,” he said. “There’s a lot of focus going into our fielding. The responsibility that the players need to take on the field is to find themselves in a position, in the hot zones, and to work a little bit extra,” Morkel said.
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Morkel is expecting a high-scoring game
Morkel believes fans can expect a run-fest in the India vs England semifinal in Mumbai. He said the pitch is looking good and the ground is small , so it could be a high-scoring game. He added that there is always extra bounce at Wankhede, which helps batters, but he also said bowlers can use that bounce to their advantage if they stay brave.
“I’ll be expecting it to be a good wicket, a high-scoring game. If we go in with the mindset that it’s going to be a high-scoring game and we need to be up to the standard, I’d say that’s a good place to be at. There’s always that extra bit of bounce. Guys can trust the bounce and hit through the line. In saying that, that can also, as a bowler, bring you into the game,” he said.
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England’s aggressive game could create chances
Morkel called England a “street smart” and dangerous team with deep batting. He said they play fearless cricket and try to take the game on, which can also create chances for the opposition.
“Playing against England, they’re a team that’s street smart. There’s a lot of quality in their side, batting quite long, deep, which makes them a very dangerous side. The way they approach a T20 game — fearless, trying to take the game on — will give you opportunities,” Morkel said.
Morkel said he is expecting a proper shootout between two aggressive teams. “Tomorrow is going to be a good shootout between two aggressive teams. The side that can hold their nerves and read the conditions quickest will come out on top,” he said.
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View All“We are a young, exciting group that wants to play entertaining cricket. Fans pay money to come and watch these guys do their thing. If we play our attacking, entertaining brand, the rest will fall into place. They are at their best when there is not a lot of thinking about the moment, but just going out and being entertained,” he added.
Morkel on Samson’s return and Abhishek’s form slump
Morkel also spoke about Sanju Samson’s return to the playing XI. “There was not a lot of conversation. He’s a guy who always works hard at the nets. In professional sports, it’s all about staying ready, so you don’t have to get yourself ready. He kept calm and fought through that tough little period,” he said.
The Indian bowling coach touched upon Abhishek Sharma’s poor form and backed him to do well in the semifinal. “Sometimes this game can be hard on you, cruel on you. It’s good growth for him. It’s a fresh page for him tomorrow. He’s starting on zero,” Morkel said.