"You have to be animated, because the IPL is all about razzmatazz. It is fast and furious. It is a different genre- vibrant and loud as opposed to Test cricket. In a way, it's bigger than the World Cup," he shoots off.
Currently in India as an expert in the studio for Sony Six, which is telecasting India's tour to New Zealand live, Morrison took time out for an exclusive interview. Excerpts:
Should Yuvraj Singh and Zaheer Khan been here for ODIs?
I don't think so. They are great players, but unfortunately, time is up for both of them. You have got to look at the 2015 World Cup and start developing players for the future.
Why is India struggling with the ball in New Zealand?
I'm not upset about this attack. Mohammad Shami and Bhuvneshvar Kumar have impressed me. You've run into Corey Anderson, who's in-form, confident, and striking the ball well. For the spinners, it is a tough learning curve, because they are used to bowling at a different pace in India. The modern bats, two new-ball rule and Power Plays make it worse. Remember, the Kiwis are much better in their own backyard.
Ishant Sharma is in horrible form...
Ishant is under-confident and out of form. He is going through a transition. Since he isn't as quick as he used to be, he has become a first change bowler, and has a different role to play now. He has lost his yorker. He is not bowling in the right areas. He need to bowl the 'Glenn McGrath length.'
Tell us about Adam Milne and Corey Anderson- two latest sensations...
Milne has pace. He is exciting, young and raw. It's a shame he's injured and out of this series. Anderson made his debut in First Class cricket when he was 16. He could fill the void left by Chris Cairns in the New Zealand team. He is a specialist No 6, who hits the miles over the fence, and plays proper cricket shots too. He is scoring runs against India at the perfect time. All the franchises would want him now! He's perfect for T20 cricket.
Is it a bad idea to persist with Suresh Raina outside India, knowing he struggles with the short ball?
Look, in a 50 over-game, with two white balls in use, you can expect around 50 short balls. If Raina struggles in the next two games too, they'll surely have a look at it, because India are going be touring abroad for a year-and-a-half. Maybe, they can try someone like Cheteshwar Pujara instead.
India, England and Australia are seeking greater control of world cricket. Will that be good for the sport?
Don't jump to any conclusion here. The strength of the game lies in these countries, though I can understand South Africa's concern. Look, the landscape of the game has changed dramatically. There is the IPL, BBL, the historical Ashes. Unfortunately this may mean that these nations play a two-Test series against smaller nations. But it not a case of India cracking the whip and owning the game. See, 80 percent of revenue is generated from this part of the world. Cricket is a religion here.
Will a two-tier system work for Test cricket?
It will be a shame if the smaller nations can't play at the big venues— for example Bangladesh won't be able to play at Lord's. But one can understand why it is being mulled. Let's wait and see. It's surely not about three bullies muscling in and leaving scraps for the rest!
Is the two new-ball rule cruel on the bowlers?
Perhaps, the lawmakers want ball staying white and disappearing over the fence all the time!
Can India bounce back in this series?
India have the batting explosiveness to chase down big scores. They are a stronger side, but the Kiwis are playing a nice brand of cricket. This series will go down the wire. If they are able to beat a top side, it will mean a lot to New Zealand.
Should the Decision Review System (DRS) be made mandatory?
The DRS is still a developing thing. After their first-time experience with it, I can understand why India are skeptical about it. We know that a cricket ball can do funny things, and the lbw decision is subjective. You can argue till the cows come home. Until they get it closer to 98 per cent accuracy, India are going to question it. According to me, now that you've let technology in, there's no going back. My argument is that ICC needs to find a sponsor for it, and own it, so that TV production units need not pay for it. That ways, even the less powerful board can use it. It would remove the element of bias while using the technology too! But you do need it. People pay to watch sport these days, and they want to see a correct decision, rather than a shocker.
Who's a better pace-Dale Steyn or Mitchell Johnson?
It's a no-brainer. Steyn is more consistent. His record proves that. Johnson has great self-belief at the moment. He's moved to Perth and spent time with Dennis Lille, who is an inspiring character. Craig McDermott (Aus bowling coach) deserves credit for his success too. He made the difference in the Ashes.
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