The batters’ constant failure in making runs in the first innings is costing the team dear, admitted bowling coach Morne Morkel even as India are in danger of losing the first Test series at home since 2012-13.

“I never like to have a punch up between batters and bowlers, but in Test match cricket you need to score the first innings runs,” Morkel told the media during the post-day press meet. “There are world-class players in our batting line-up. I know that individually, they’ve got their processes and they know how to go about those things,” he added.