India bowling coach Morne Morkel has offered an unusual preparation tip for the team’s Test specialists ahead of their upcoming assignment in New Zealand: practise facing the strong air current from a powerful fan at home. The advice comes as India prepare for the challenging conditions at Wellington’s Basin Reserve, where powerful and unpredictable winds can affect batting, bowling and players’ balance.
Speaking ahead of the third T20 International between India and New Zealand on October 27, Morkel explained that the team had already discussed Wellington’s conditions with players preparing for the longer format. Drawing on his own experience playing in New Zealand for South Africa, he warned that adapting to the wind would be difficult in just a few days.
Wellington’s Strong Winds Pose a Different Challenge
Wellington is known for its gusty weather, and conditions recently became so severe that winds reportedly reached around 120 kilometres per hour. Morkel said the force was noticeable even inside his hotel, where the building appeared to shake.
The conditions could create several challenges for visiting players. Batters may struggle to maintain a stable stance, while bowlers could find it difficult to establish a consistent run-up and delivery rhythm. Changing wind direction can also influence how the ball travels and how players approach different phases of a match.
Morkel’s fan suggestion was intended to give players a basic sense of resistance from strong air currents before they arrive at the venue. However, he acknowledged that a short period of practice would not fully prepare anyone for the conditions they may encounter during an international match.
The coach believes that players will need to assess the situation quickly and adjust their approach once they are on the field.
Mental Approach Will Be Crucial for India
Beyond physical preparation, Morkel stressed the importance of how players respond to unfamiliar conditions. He said that teams can either treat the wind as a problem that holds them back or accept it as a challenge requiring adjustments.
His experience in New Zealand has taught him that there is no simple way to eliminate the impact of strong winds. Instead, players need to remain adaptable and focus on executing their skills despite the conditions.
Morkel also highlighted the importance of bowlers taking responsibility for difficult spells. With the wind changing direction, the Indian attack may need different bowlers to work against the gusts rather than relying on favourable conditions throughout the innings.
The coaching staff wants players to approach these situations positively and be prepared to make tactical decisions under pressure.
India’s Test Preparation Begins Before the Tour
Although India are currently competing in a five-match T20I series, the coaching staff is also looking ahead to the Test assignment. Preparing early could help players understand the challenges awaiting them at the Basin Reserve, even if the weather cannot be replicated perfectly at home.
Morkel’s advice reflects a broader approach to international cricket preparation: teams must account for local conditions rather than depend entirely on their usual routines.
The short turnaround between training and match day means that players will need to learn quickly once they reach Wellington. Coaches can provide guidance, but players will ultimately have to make decisions based on the conditions they encounter.
New Zealand Players Also Expect Wind to Influence Play
New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell acknowledged that Wellington’s conditions can be difficult because the wind often swirls around the open Basin Reserve rather than blowing consistently from one direction.
Bracewell recalled a previous match in which cameras at one end had to be switched off because of the strength of the wind. He said players need to identify calmer periods and adapt their approach depending on how the wind affects play.
For batters, that may mean adjusting shot selection and making use of favourable conditions. Bowlers, meanwhile, may need to be more defensive or alter their plans when facing the wind.
The challenge is not limited to visiting teams, as changing conditions can require constant adjustments from everyone on the field.
As India prepare for the next stage of their New Zealand tour, Morkel’s message is straightforward: preparation matters, but adaptability and a positive mindset will be essential when the players encounter Wellington’s unpredictable winds.
