Jasprit Bumrah Returns to Nets as India Focuses on Pace Attack for Edgbaston Test

Bumrah Back in Action as India Intensifies Bowling Drills

Jasprit Bumrah made his return to training on Saturday, shifting the focus of Team India's preparations for the Edgbaston Test squarely onto their bowling attack. After sitting out Friday’s initial session, Bumrah’s presence in the nets was a welcome sight, though questions still loom regarding his availability for the crucial second Test against England.

Following a five-wicket defeat at Headingley, which left them trailing 0-1 in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India wasted no time in commencing their preparations on Friday. While the entire squad participated in practice, the absence of Bumrah and fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna from active drills fueled speculation about their readiness for the Birmingham Test.

However, Saturday brought positive news for India’s pace bowling options. Bumrah, Prasidh, and Mohammed Siraj all bowled in the nets, with Siraj continuing his batting practice from Day 1. Their return injected renewed energy into India’s training sessions 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 significant 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 regarding Bumrah’s participation will be made on a match-by-match basis, irrespective of the series situation.

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-equaling victory at Edgbaston.