ENG vs IND 2026 3rd ODI: India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel on Saturday reacted to Rohit Sharma’s struggles, saying the batter will return to form as he is experienced enough to handle challenges. Rohit has managed just 11 and 26 in the first two matches of the IND vs ENG ODI series, and there are reports that the veteran is not in the selectors’ plans. The 39-year-old needs runs under his belt.

“It is hard work with the new ball, and we have seen batters struggling in the series so far. The ball is moving, and it is not easy for the opening batters. However, Rohit will work it out,” Morkel said in the pre-match press conference.

“He has done it in the past, and he brings calmness to the team. Rohit is experienced, and there are no worries and concerns with the way he is batting at the moment,” he added.

Apart from Rohit, the middle-order was not able to capitalise on the momentum provided by Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer in the second ODI, with the Men in Blue getting dismissed for 233.

Morkel mentioned that Indian batters should adjust to the pace of the Lord’s wickets before going for shots.

“They need to get used to the conditions before unleashing their strokes. The wicket at Lord’s can be tricky, so it is important to give yourself a few extra balls to know about the pace of the surface. Our batters have played a lot of cricket. They are aware of the conditions. Partnerships will be key.

“As a team, we find ways to get better, and when it comes to a 50-over game, partnerships with the bat and ball become handy. The last match will be exciting.”

The former Proteas pacer wants the Indian quicks to provide breakthroughs in the middle overs.

“We bowled well in the previous match, and our pacers generated speed. We wanted to use Prasidh and Gurnoor Brar in the middle overs. But it is important to take wickets, and we are working on ways to get breakthroughs.”

However, Morkel doesn’t want to burden the bowlers with excessive tips.

“The slope at Lord’s can be a bit tricky. You can share your experience and give ideas. But you don’t want to impact the thinking of the bowlers a day before the match.”

There were reports that Morkel wanted to quit after the ODI series against England, but the veteran speedster is keen to help the Indian bowlers in the 2027 World Cup.

“I have played cricket for 20 years in South Africa, and my experience counts for something. We have been discussing the World Cup. I understand the pitches in South Africa, and I will put my experience forward,” he concluded.