Bumrah's Birmingham Bowling Baffles, Kuldeep's Craft Shines as India Prep for Second Test

Jasprit Bumrah fine-tuning his bowling during a net session.

Birmingham: From the moment Jasprit Bumrah entered the Edgbaston Cricket Ground nets, his focus was palpable. With his characteristic shoulder motion, he immediately took his position in the center net.

Following a gentle warm-up, he gradually increased his pace, ultimately marking his run-up for an intense 20-minute spell. With several key players absent, Bumrah bowled to Sai Sudharsan, Ravindra Jadeja, and Karun Nair, testing their mettle.

He effortlessly challenged the batsmen with precise deliveries, varying his angles to keep them guessing. His mental freshness, aided by a three-day break from bowling, was evident as he bowled alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

The trio, who played in the Headingley Test, focused on purposeful training on the second day in Birmingham. Each bowler practiced for around thirty minutes before working on their batting.

Siraj honed his defensive techniques with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, while Bumrah experimented with various aspects of his game, including side-armers and slow bowling. His dedication was clear as he practiced his batting, growing in confidence throughout the session.

Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja continued his batting practice, and Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep impressed with their performances. Kuldeep Yadav diligently worked on both his batting and bowling.

Kuldeep's all-round preparation is noteworthy. He actively seeks feedback and experiments with new angles. The dry conditions in Birmingham could favor his inclusion in the second Test.

His improved physical condition and bowling rhythm are evident. He has been engaging in competitive sessions with fellow batsmen, showcasing his skills.

Kuldeep has also dedicated significant time to refining his batting under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir and Sitanshu Kotak, aiming to make valuable contributions with the bat.

After two days of intense practice, the team will take a break before regrouping. While the suspense around Bumrah's participation continues, Kuldeep's relentless preparation and the impressive form of other bowlers promise an exciting second Test.