India bowling coach Morne Morkel felt the controversial concussion substitution of Harshit Rana in place of Shivam Dube during the fourth T20I in Pune was ultimately the call of the match referee setting aside all theories.

“As far as I’m aware. Shivam took a knock on the head and had a mild headache. We took the name forward to the match referee in the form of a suitable substitution and from there its upto the match referee to make a decision and a decision was made. Harshit was having dinner and had to get ready as quick as possible and he gave a good account of himself.”

With regard to controversy since there was talk that the substitution was not exactly like for like given Dube is an all-rounder and Rana more of a specialist fast bowler, who can bat a bit.

“It goes to the powers above me. It’s the match referee’s decision. It’s out of our hands. We got the green light to go with that and we gave him an opportunity.”

Talking about the cracking form of the Indian bowling set up, Morkel said he was happy to see them shaping up well.

“I have been with the T20 group for a short period of time. I just like the confidence with which this bowling unit walks onto the field. The planning we do before games, everybody is contributing in those conversations. The main thing is to go out and execute. Tonight also being under pressure defending a total we showed great character, the young group. The fact that they are playing confident cricket and attacking cricket as a group is great to watch. They bowl well in partnerships,” he added.

Morkel felt Harry Brook looked dangerous at one point and the Indian team management was glad to see him being taken out.

“Brook is a quality batter and I was discussing with Ryan (ten Doeschate) and saying we need to get him out really quick. If he bats another couple of overs, he can take the game away. Credit to the guys who kept at it and explored the wicket taking options. I’m just very proud of this team to defend a total like 180 odd on this track is outstanding.”

The former South Africa pacer stated they knew England would be formidable in batting given their huge depth.

“England bat all the way down to No 11. In the last game we gave away runs in the last 4-5 overs. So we need to be on top of our game because the margins are so small. We need to have an aggressive mindset and tonight (Friday) those guys showed it with the ball in hand.”

The India bowling coach also praised the efforts of star all-rounder Hardik Pandya.

“Oh, he played really well. It was a great partnership with Shivam. He has been hitting the ball really well in training. It was great to see one of the senior players stepping up today.”

Morkel revealed Mohammad Shami is likely to play in the final T20I in Mumbai on Sunday and is training well in the net sessions.

“Shami has been bowling really well. He has been catching well in the warm ups as well. Hitting the glove hard and happy to see how he is coming along. He is probably going to get an opportunity in the next game and we’ll see how things go. But just excited to have him back for us just to show his experience and a massive boost for this young group of bowlers,” he added.