Jasprit Bumrah immediately commanded attention upon entering the Edgbaston Cricket Ground nets. After a brief walk, the Indian pace spearhead initiated his routine with his signature shoulder movement, positioning himself at his mark in the central net.
Following a few gentle warm-up deliveries, Bumrah intensified his bowling spell. As his pace increased and fluidity improved, markers were set to measure his run-up for an intense 20-minute burst. With several key batsmen absent from Saturday's net session, Bumrah bowled to Sai Sudharsan, Ravindra Jadeja, and Karun Nair.
Bumrah consistently challenged the batters with his accuracy and varied angles, bowling around the wicket to left-handers and utilizing the crease's width against right-handers. His mental freshness was evident, with the three-day break rejuvenating the 31-year-old, who bowled alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.
The trio, having played in the Headingley Test, refrained from bowling during the team's initial Birmingham practice but trained purposefully on the second day. Each bowler spent approximately thirty minutes bowling before practicing extended hits in the nets.
Siraj focused on leaves, ducks, and forward defense under the guidance of batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. Meanwhile, Bumrah explored various bowling styles, from side-armers to slow deliveries and throwdowns, demonstrating unwavering focus throughout his extended session. He engaged in shadow practice while awaiting his turn to bat and visibly grew in confidence, ending the day on a positive note.
In the adjacent nets, Ravindra Jadeja continued batting, Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep impressed, and Kuldeep Yadav honed both his batting and bowling skills. While Akash or Arshdeep's inclusion hinges on Bumrah's availability, Kuldeep is diligently preparing for potential selection.
The left-arm wrist-spinner bowled, batted, and sought feedback from support staff and teammates. He experimented with new angles and varied lengths, with Birmingham's dry conditions potentially influencing the team management to consider him for the second Test.
Kuldeep's physical condition appears optimal, and his bowling rhythm is evident since the pre-match sessions in Leeds. He engaged in a compelling contest with Gill before the first Test and continues to relish his battles with Indian batters in Birmingham.
Kuldeep has dedicated considerable time to refining his batting under the supervision of head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. Over the past 18 months, he has diligently worked on his batting and aims to make meaningful contributions with the bat.
Following two days of training, the team will take a break before reconvening on June 30. The bowlers can rest, and bowling coach Morne Morkel can continue his lighthearted wrestling with Arshdeep and Akash Deep. As for Bumrah, the suspense surrounding his participation will persist for at least the next 48 hours.
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