'No worries' over Rohit, batters need time to adjust to Lord's slope, says Morkel

Bowling coach Morne Morkel has advised India's batters to give themselves an extra 5-10 balls to get used to the Lord's surface, ahead of the ODI series decider against England.

Morkel addressed the media ahead of the third ODI, with the series level at 1-1. India suffered a damaging collapse in the second game, slipping from 178/3 to 233 all out and losing by four wickets. Morkel admitted the team looked set for 280-300 at one point, assuring the intent is to always "push that 10%" and improve.

Ahead of the third ODI, considerable spotlight has been on Rohit Sharma, with media reports initially hinting at retirement. The BCCI secretary later ruled out any such announcement.

Morkel backs Rohit amid speculation

Morkel threw his weight behind Rohit, especially after his sluggish 26 off 47 in the second game, insisting there were "no worries and concerns" around his batting.

"Like I said earlier, it is hard work with a new ball up front. The ball is moving around. No doubt Rohit will work it out. He has done it in the past. He brings calmness to the batting line-up. No worries and concerns at all."

Morkel: Lord's surface tricky, individuals need to take responsibility

Morkel, who played at Lord's on three separate Test tours, suggested batters "need to give yourself 5 or 10 balls just to see how the ball is behaving off the slope," calling it a "tricky" surface where "individuals need to take responsibility" and assess conditions quickly.

"We have a very experienced top and middle-order. They are aware of the conditions and how to form partnerships. That is going to be the key."

While the batting collapse led to a subpar total, bowlers couldn't break Joe Root's defiance. Root's 99* formed the cornerstone of the chase. Morkel felt the bowling was "exceptional," praising the speeds and areas operated.

Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar were earmarked for extra bounce in the middle overs, where getting wickets was crucial.

India will be without Washington Sundar for the third ODI. After scoring 52* batting at five in the first game, he injured himself in the second ODI, leaving India a bowler short.

Morkel remained coy about the combination, saying "all options were on the table," when asked about Kuldeep Yadav's potential inclusion. He added Gautam Gambhir would assess the surface before making a final call. Harsh Dubey was confirmed as Washington's replacement.

Morkel banking on own SA expertise for World Cup prep

A win will give India their fifth ODI series win in England and serve as a boost ahead of next year's World Cup, co-hosted by South Africa. Morkel's understanding of South African surfaces will be valuable.

"I would like to think living in South Africa and playing 20 years of cricket there, my experience counts for something. We are focused on playing the best brand of cricket. There are conversations about the World Cup and planning. I understand the surfaces and how wickets can play differently at certain times of the year. I will put that forward to the team."