Despite contrasting reports floating around of Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the second Test between India and England at Edgbaston, the pacer is keeping everyone guessing by putting in complete effort at the nets. According to ESPNcricinfo, he bowled ‘full tilt’ for over half an hour at the nets on Saturday (June 28).
Bumrah had chosen to sit out from the nets on Friday, causing further rumors across India. He, skipper Shubman Gill, and head coach Gautam Gambhir have already confirmed that the pacer is likely to play only three of the five Tests this series to manage his workload, and a decision on whether Edgbaston could be the second hasn’t been made public. The report said it’ll be taken based on how Bumrah feels about his body.
The Test will begin on Wednesday (July 2) as India aim to come back from the heavy five-wicket defeat in the first match at Headingley. The report further said that Gill, vice-captain Rishabh Pant and openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal were absent from the optional net session.
The focus was also on batting practice for India’s lower-order, including frontline pacers, in light of twin collapses of 7 for 41 and 6 for 31 at Headingley. Sunday will be an off-day for the team before an extensive session on Monday, followed by a lighter day on the eve of the Test.
Other reports also claim that left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav bowled and batted on Saturday. India missed his skills at Headingley, especially because all-rounder Shardul Thakur couldn’t contribute much. But it’s unclear whether the management will go against Gautam Gambhir’s desired formula of safe batting depth to include an aggressive bowling option.
If Bumrah misses out, India will rely on Mohammed Siraj (who himself has had an immense workload in recent months) to lead the attack. Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh are the pace options available on the bench.
India have never won a Test at Edgbaston and have an uphill task ahead of them considering the hosts would be strengthened, too, with the likes of Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson set to be available.