Birmingham Test Prep: Bumrah's Fitness in Doubt as Arshdeep, Akash Deep Impress; Batting Coach Focuses on Tailenders

Birmingham Nets Offer Clues: Bumrah's Status Uncertain, Arshdeep vs. Gill, and Batting Coach's Focus on Tailenders

The Indian cricket team commenced their preparations for the upcoming Test match in Birmingham with an intensive three-hour training session on Friday. Despite the pleasant weather, the team focused on honing their skills.

Team India during a net session in Birmingham.

Bumrah's Availability in Question

Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna were present with the squad, but notably absent from the net practice. While they traveled with the team, they did not participate in either batting or bowling drills, raising questions about their readiness for the upcoming match. The team management is carefully monitoring Bumrah's condition. His participation will significantly impact the team's composition.

Siraj Fine-Tunes Batting Skills

Mohammed Siraj dedicated his time exclusively to batting practice, working closely with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. He engaged in various drills focused on leaving, ducking, and playing different deliveries, spending nearly 30 minutes refining his technique.

Arshdeep and Akash Deep Impress

With uncertainty surrounding Bumrah's availability, Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep seized the opportunity to showcase their abilities. Both bowlers bowled long spells and displayed their batting prowess, drawing close attention from head coach Gautam Gambhir and the support staff.

Shubman Gill and Ajit Agarkar at the nets.

Arshdeep's Fine-Tuning with Morkel

Arshdeep has been working closely with bowling coach Morne Morkel. The pair have been diligently working on the left-arm seamer's run-up, back-foot landing, and overall alignment. Their constant communication highlights Arshdeep's dedication to improvement. Arshdeep regularly challenges his Punjab teammate Shubman Gill in the nets.

Potential New Ball Bowlers

The performance of Arshdeep and Akash Deep has impressed the team management. If Bumrah is ruled out, one of them could be drafted into the Playing XI. Both possess the skills to control the new ball effectively. While it is still early, their performance in training is making the decision-making process challenging for the team.

Akash Deep's raw pace can trouble any batter, and Arshdeep could be a surprise weapon for India.