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

Bumrah Back in Action as India Focuses on Bowling Drills Ahead of Edgbaston Test

Jasprit Bumrah made a return to training on Saturday, shifting the focus of Team India's preparations for the Edgbaston Test firmly onto bowling. After missing Friday’s opening session, Bumrah's presence in the nets was closely observed, especially given the lingering doubts about his availability for the second Test against England.

Following a five-wicket defeat at Headingley, which saw them fall 0-1 behind in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India commenced their preparations on Friday. The entire squad participated in practice, but Bumrah and fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna were absent from active drills, leading to speculation regarding their readiness for the Birmingham Test.

However, Saturday brought a significant boost to India’s pace options. Bumrah, Prasidh, and Mohammed Siraj all bowled in the nets, with Siraj continuing his batting practice from Day 1. Their return to bowling injected renewed intensity into India’s preparations as the team aims to bounce back in Birmingham.

Among the batters, 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 demanding 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 on Bumrah’s participation will be made on a match-to-match basis, regardless of the series scoreline.

With bowling now taking center stage in India's practice, the team hopes their key bowlers will be fully prepared as they seek a series-equalizing victory at Edgbaston.