Bumrah Boosts India's Hopes: Pacer Returns to Nets Ahead of Edgbaston Test

Bumrah Back in Action as India Intensifies Bowling Practice for Edgbaston Test

Jasprit Bumrah made a return to training on Saturday, shifting the focus to bowling as Team India geared up for the Edgbaston Test. After missing the opening session on Friday, Bumrah's presence in the nets sparked interest, especially given the lingering doubts about his availability for the second Test against England.

Following a five-wicket defeat at Headingley, which left them trailing 0-1 in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India commenced preparations on Friday. While the entire squad participated in practice, Bumrah and fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna were absent from active drills, raising concerns about their readiness for the Birmingham Test.

However, Saturday brought a much-needed boost to India’s pace attack. Bumrah, Prasidh, and Mohammed Siraj all bowled at the nets, with Siraj also working on his batting, following his Day 1 session. Their return to bowling injected renewed vigor into India’s preparations as the team seeks to rebound in Birmingham.

Among the batsmen, Sai Sudharsan, who debuted in the Headingley Test, was the first to practice in the nets on Day 2. Notably absent from Saturday’s training were captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal. All four had engaged in extensive batting practice on Friday, with Gill and Pant spending considerable time in the nets.

While Bumrah’s return is encouraging, his inclusion in the Edgbaston XI remains uncertain. The 31-year-old bowled 44 overs in the series opener and is scheduled to participate in only three of the five Tests as part of a workload management strategy. Head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized after the Headingley loss that the decision regarding Bumrah’s participation will be made on a match-to-match basis, irrespective of the series scoreline.

With bowling now taking center stage in India's practice, the team hopes its key bowlers will be ready for battle as they aim for a series-leveling victory at Edgbaston.