Edgbaston [UK], June 27: Indian fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the second Test against England at Edgbaston, starting July 2, appears doubtful, according to a report by ESPNCricinfo.
The Indian team management has already decided that Bumrah will feature in only three Tests during the series as part of his workload management plan, though which matches those will be has not been confirmed. ESPNCricinfo has learned that Bumrah’s chances of playing the second Test are low. In the previous Test at Leeds, Bumrah bowled nearly 44 overs, claiming a five-wicket haul in the first innings but went wicketless in the second as India failed to defend 371 runs.
India resumed training on Friday with a marathon five-hour nets session after traveling to Edgbaston. Bumrah was present at the ground but did not bowl or bat. The session was held behind closed doors, making it unclear if he did any fitness drills or individual bowling work.
Observations from outside the venue revealed Mohammed Siraj batting in the nets before joining Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna inside. ESPNCricinfo reported that Bumrah’s participation in the Edgbaston Test looks unlikely as the pre-planned schedule may see him play the first and third Tests, with his involvement in the fourth or fifth Tests dependent on how the series unfolds. The long gaps of seven to eight days between matches provide time for managing workloads.
While Bumrah has not been officially ruled out of the second Test, the team management will assess his fitness before making a final decision. India have an optional training session on Saturday and a full session on Monday ahead of the Test.
Meanwhile, left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and seamer Akash Deep bowled extended spells during nets, with Arshdeep focusing on bowling with an old ball around the wicket to right-handers—an indication that the team may expect reverse swing to play a role given Birmingham’s conditions.
Despite the loss at Headingley, the Indian camp remains positive, aiming to stick with their playing style while focusing on execution to secure stronger positions in upcoming games.
India’s Test Squad for England Series:
Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav.