New Delhi: Concerns are mounting over the availability of Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming Edgbaston Test against England, as the star pacer skipped the nets session on Friday, just five days ahead of the second Test of the ongoing series, according to a report by The Times of India.
Bumrah, who featured in the opening Test at Headingley, did not take part in the team’s practice session despite travelling with the squad. Prasidh Krishna, another fast bowler in the squad, was also absent from nets training. The rest of the Indian players underwent a full practice session, raising speculation about Bumrah’s fitness or workload management.
A decision on Bumrah’s participation is expected to be made in consultation with the team’s medical staff, and it remains uncertain whether the pace spearhead will feature in the second Test beginning July 2.
Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj, who had a forgettable outing with the bat in the first Test—scoring just three runs across two innings—was seen spending considerable time honing his batting skills under the guidance of batting coach Sitanshu Kotak.
In the background, young pacers Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep appear to be stepping up. Arshdeep has been working closely with bowling coach Morne Morkel, focusing on his run-up, backfoot landing, and alignment. The duo has been spotted engaged in intensive feedback sessions after nearly every delivery. Arshdeep has also been testing captain Shubman Gill at full pace during net sessions, showing promising rhythm and intent.
Akash Deep, too, has been maintaining high energy levels in the nets, positioning both him and Arshdeep as strong contenders should Bumrah be ruled out of the Edgbaston Test. Their performances in practice could give the Indian team management a selection dilemma ahead of the second match.
India’s bowling strategy in Headingley came under scrutiny, especially during England’s fourth-innings chase. When Bumrah returned to bowl with the second new ball in the 80th over, the match was already slipping away. England had cut down the required runs to just 22, reaching 349/5 after scoring 63 runs in just 15 overs—effectively taking the game out of India’s hands.
With the series finely poised and India eager to bounce back, Bumrah’s status could be crucial to the team’s fortunes. As of now, his participation remains uncertain, with the spotlight shifting to India’s bench strength and backup pacers who might be called upon to deliver at a critical juncture.
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