New Delhi. The Indian cricket team is in danger of losing a Test series at home after a long time. Team India is in trouble in the Pune Test match against New Zealand. After being all out for 156 runs in the first innings, New Zealand has taken a lead of 301 runs over the Indian team. It is not easy to score such a big score in the fourth innings on the Pune pitch. Team India's bowling coach Morne Merkel says that the continuous failure of the batsmen to score runs in the first innings is costing the team dearly. Due to this India is in danger of losing the first Test series on home ground since 2012-13.

After being all out for 46 runs in the first innings of the first Test, the Indian team collapsed to just 156 runs on the first day of the second Test on Friday, allowing New Zealand to completely take control of the match. Morkel said in the post-match press conference, “I never like the clash between batsmen and bowlers. But in Test cricket, you need to score runs in the first innings. It is good if we dominate but we have not been able to do so. Our batting line-up has world-class players. I know that individually they are engaged in their process and they know how to deal with these things.”

Morkel hoped for a better performance from the Indian batsmen in the second innings. According to Morkel, 'Hopefully, we will correct those mistakes. Because at the moment we are paying the price for it. But I am confident that they have enough experience and knowledge to improve it. I am expecting the team to come back strongly in the second innings. I am excited to see how they come back and how they play in this situation and circumstances.'

'Have to keep the faith'
Morkel said that India will have to keep the faith and support their knowledge of the conditions to avoid losing the match and the series. He said, 'We have to believe. This game is very interesting. Our players are aggressive players, players who are well aware of these conditions. Our conversation before this match was that we are experts in these conditions, we know how to deal with these conditions. But honestly, it will be a difficult task. But this is really an opportunity to get inspired and perform at the top by showing a fighting spirit, this is how I see it.'