Bumrah's Second Test Fate: India Weighs Workload vs. England Series Impact

The Indian cricket team faces a critical decision regarding Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the upcoming second Test against England, commencing on July 2 in Birmingham. This decision comes as the team prepares for the match following their first Test defeat.

Jasprit Bumrah of India (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

Prior to the series, it was agreed that Bumrah, India's key bowler, would play only three of the five Tests to manage his workload effectively. The specific Tests were not initially revealed.

During the Headingley Test, Bumrah bowled 44 overs, and with a short turnaround between the second and third Tests, the team management and Bumrah must decide whether he should rest. Playing in Birmingham would likely rule him out of the Lord's Test, which begins on July 10, given the minimal four-day gap.

Indications from the schedule and head coach Gautam Gambhir's comments suggest the second Test in Birmingham might be the designated break for the star bowler. Gambhir emphasized that the series scoreline wouldn't influence the decision; instead, Bumrah's workload would be the determining factor, prioritizing his fitness for future matches.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri acknowledged the difficulty of this decision, noting the temptation to play Bumrah in Birmingham to level the series and also have him available for Lord's.

“Bumrah said he'll play three Test matches. Now, which of the three he'll play, that's, you know, another question to be asked. I think if he takes a break, it'll be the next one, because he'll definitely want to play at Lord's, right? And there's a break, and then you go into Lord's, then there's a break, and then there's a choice between Manchester and the same. It could be 2-0 down. So that is the problem. I think he has got to play,” Shastri said on Sky Sports Cricket.

If Bumrah sits out Birmingham to stay fresh for Lord's, the challenge shifts to finding a suitable replacement. India's bowling attack lacked penetration in the first Test, even with Bumrah, making this replacement decision crucial.

Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad suggested including Arshdeep Singh, while calls for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion are increasing due to his unique skills. The Indian team's direction will become clearer in the coming days, but a revamped bowling attack is a strong possibility for the Birmingham Test.

IND vs ENG Series Schedule:

• 1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds – England won by 5 wickets
• 2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham
• 3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord’s, London
• 4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
• 5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, Kia Oval, London