Bumrah Boosts India's Hopes: Pacer Back in Nets as Focus Shifts to Bowling for Edgbaston Test

Bumrah Back in Action as India Intensifies Bowling Drills for Edgbaston Test

Jasprit Bumrah made a return to training on Saturday, shifting the focus of Team India's preparations for the Edgbaston Test to bowling. His presence at the nets was particularly noteworthy following his absence from Friday's opening session, fueling speculation about his availability for the crucial second Test against England.

After a disappointing five-wicket defeat at Headingley, which left them trailing 0-1 in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the Indian squad wasted no time in getting down to business. While the entire squad participated in practice on Friday, the absence of Bumrah and fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna raised concerns about their readiness for the Birmingham Test.

Saturday brought positive news for India's pace attack as Bumrah, Prasidh, and Mohammed Siraj all bowled at the nets. Siraj continued his batting practice from the previous day. Their return injected renewed energy into India's preparations as they aim to level the series in Birmingham.

Among the batsmen, Sai Sudharsan, who debuted in the Headingley Test, was the first to practice in the nets on Day 2. However, captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal were noticeably absent from Saturday's training session. All four had engaged in extensive batting practice on Friday, with Gill and Pant spending considerable time at the nets.

While Bumrah's return is encouraging, his inclusion in the Edgbaston XI remains uncertain. The 31-year-old bowled a demanding 44 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 defeat that the decision on Bumrah's participation would be made on a match-to-match basis, irrespective of the series score.

With bowling taking center stage in India's practice, the team hopes that their key bowlers will be fully prepared as they seek a series-equalizing victory at Edgbaston.