India Begins Preparations for Second Test; Bumrah's Absence from Net Session Raises Questions

India Gears Up for Second Test Against England; Bumrah Skips Net Session

The Indian cricket team has commenced its preparations for the crucial second Test against England, holding their first practice session at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Friday. This follows their disappointing five-wicket defeat in the opening Test at Headingley, which handed England a 1-0 lead in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.

Team India's net session in Birmingham.

All squad members were present, including pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, although he sat out of the on-field activities. Prasidh Krishna was also absent from bowling and drills, while the rest of the team participated in a full training session. Mohammed Siraj dedicated significant time to working on his batting. Head coach Gautam Gambhir engaged in lengthy discussions with pacers Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep.

Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant were seen batting in the nets. The remaining bowlers, excluding Bumrah and Prasidh, went through their bowling routines. Despite the pressure following the loss in Leeds, the atmosphere within the camp appeared relaxed. The team leadership continues to support the squad, which is currently undergoing a transition phase, with senior players guiding the younger members.

Questions surrounding Bumrah's participation remain a key focus. He bowled 44 overs in the first Test and is expected to play in only three matches during this series as part of a workload management strategy. Coach Gambhir emphasized in the post-match press conference that the match score wouldn't influence Bumrah's appearances and that decisions would be made on a game-by-game basis.

Given the short four-day gap between the second Test at Edgbaston (July 2–6) and the third at Lord’s (July 10–14), indications suggest that Birmingham could be the designated rest match for Bumrah. Both Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar have stressed the importance of workload management, suggesting that Bumrah’s availability will be determined with a long-term perspective, irrespective of the series situation.