India vs New Zealand Live Score, 2nd Test Day 3: India aim to bowl New Zealand out early in Pune

India vs New Zealand Live Score: Lack of first-innings runs hurting India’s chances, admits Morne Morkel

The Indian cricket team’s batting woes in the first innings have become a major concern, as acknowledged by bowling coach Morne Morkel. The team’s inability to post substantial totals is proving to be detrimental to their chances of success, with India facing the possibility of losing their first Test series on home soil since the 2012-13 season.

Following their dismal performance in the opening Test, where they were dismissed for a paltry 46 in the first innings, India’s batting struggles continued in the second Test in Pune.

The hosts were once again bundled out for a meager 156 in their first essay on Friday, allowing New Zealand to seize control of the match and put the Indian team under immense pressure.

“I never like to have a punch up between batters and bowlers but, in Test match cricket you need to score the first innings runs,” Morkel told the media during the post-day press meet.

“If we put our hand up, we haven’t been able to do that. There are world class players in our batting line up. I know that individually, they’ve got their processes and they know how to go about those things,” he added.

Morkel expressed hope for a stronger performance from the Indian batters in the second innings.

“Hopefully, we can iron those mistakes out because it’s costing us at the moment – not getting the runs on the board – but I’m pretty sure there’s enough experience, enough knowledge amongst them to rectify that,” he added.

“I back the team (to come up) with a strong response in our second innings. I’m excited to see how they bounce back and how they play this situation and the conditions,” he said.