Bumrah Boosts India's Edgbaston Test Prep as Bowling Focus Intensifies

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

Jasprit Bumrah rejoined the Indian squad's training session on Saturday, shifting the focus to bowling preparations for the crucial Edgbaston Test. After missing the opening session on Friday, Bumrah's return to the nets has sparked optimism, although questions remain about his participation in the second Test against England.

Following a five-wicket defeat at Headingley, which put them 0-1 down in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, the Indian team began preparations on Friday. While the entire squad participated, the absence of Bumrah and fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna from active drills fueled speculation regarding their readiness for the Birmingham Test.

Saturday brought a welcome boost as Bumrah, Prasidh, and Mohammed Siraj all bowled in the nets. Siraj also continued his batting practice from Day 1. Their return injected renewed energy into India's preparations as the team aims to rebound strongly 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 of whom had engaged in extensive batting practice on Friday, with Gill and Pant spending considerable time in the nets.

While Bumrah's return is a positive development, his inclusion in the Edgbaston XI remains uncertain. Having bowled 44 overs in the series opener, he is expected to play in only three of the five Tests as part of workload management. Head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized after the Headingley loss that the decision on Bumrah's participation would be made on a match-to-match basis, irrespective of the series situation.

With bowling now taking center stage in India's practice sessions, the team hopes that its key bowlers will be fully prepared as they seek to level the series at Edgbaston.