Bumrah's Second Test Fate: Rest or Risk for India Against England?

The Indian cricket team faces a critical decision regarding Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the second Test against England, scheduled to begin on July 2nd in Birmingham. Following their defeat in the first Test, the team management must weigh the benefits of Bumrah's inclusion against the need to manage his workload effectively.

Jasprit Bumrah of India (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

Prior to the series, it was agreed that Bumrah would participate in only three of the five Test matches to mitigate the risk of injury and ensure his peak performance. The specific matches were not disclosed, leaving the team with a strategic choice to make as the series progresses.

Having bowled 44 overs in the first Test at Headingley, Bumrah's workload is a primary concern. With a short turnaround between the second and third Tests, the temptation to field him at Lord's from July 10th will be strong. Playing him in Birmingham would likely rule him out of the Lord's Test due to the minimal recovery time.

Head coach Gautam Gambhir has emphasized that the series scoreline will not dictate Bumrah's participation. The decision will be based purely on managing his workload to ensure his availability for future matches. This suggests a high probability that Bumrah will be rested for the second Test to remain fresh for Lord's.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri acknowledged the dilemma, recognizing the desire to level the series in Birmingham while also keeping Bumrah fit for the prestigious Lord's Test.

"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 does sit out the Birmingham Test, the focus will shift to identifying a suitable replacement. The Indian bowling attack lacked penetration in the first Test, even with Bumrah in the side, making this a crucial selection decision.

Former England bowler Stuart Broad has suggested including Arshdeep Singh in place of Bumrah. Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion are also growing, given his potential to add variety and potency to the bowling attack. The composition of the Indian bowling attack for the second Test remains uncertain, but it is likely to feature at least one change.

Here's the schedule for the remainder of the India vs England Test series:

• 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