Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel, ahead of India's Test series against England, has revealed that he was a little bit nervous about the Indian squad’s lack of red-ball cricket over the past few months. India are set to play a five-match Test series against England starting June 20, which will also mark the start of the World Test Championship cycle for India. Notably, India last played a Test match in January during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, and recently all players were involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, Morkel is pleased with the way players have performed in the training sessions. 

"All in all, happy with the start so far. I was a little bit nervous in terms of the lack of red ball we've played but seeing how the guys are moving around and training in the last three days is a pleasing sight. We have got a fantastic group. There's some quality energy and that's what you need. You need to go into a Test series confident and have that team spirit," Morkel said while speaking to the BCCI's official website.

Morkel also highlighted the importance of consistency in England. Meanwhile, the Indian Test side, which also features a few new faces following the retirements of stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, will be led by Shubman Gill. 

"I think consistency is crucial in England and there is consistency when we practice, there's consistency off the field, finding your process, what's going to work for you as an individual," said Morkel.

"We've got a great variation, variety in our attack, guys with different skill sets so they can do that and still execute the basics well," he added.