Bumrah's Birmingham Test: Rest or Roll the Dice? India Weighs Workload vs. Series Impact

The Indian cricket team faces a significant decision regarding Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the second Test against England, commencing on July 2nd.

Jasprit Bumrah of India (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

Prior to the series, it was agreed that Bumrah, the team's key bowler, would participate in only three of the five Tests to effectively manage his workload. The specific matches were not initially disclosed by Ajit Agarkar, chairman of the selection committee. Bumrah himself confirmed his limited participation in an interview, and head coach Gautam Gambhir reiterated this during a press conference in Leeds.

Bumrah bowled 44 overs in the recent Headingley Test. As the team takes a two-day break in Birmingham, team management and Bumrah must decide on his participation in the upcoming matches.

The short turnaround between the second and third Tests creates a strong incentive to field him at Lord's, starting July 10th. If Bumrah plays in Birmingham, his participation in the third Test becomes unlikely due to the brief four-day gap.

Gambhir's comments suggest the second Test could be the designated break for the premier fast bowler. The head coach emphasized that the series score would not influence the decision, prioritizing Bumrah's workload management to ensure his availability for future cricket commitments.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, given the temptation to play Bumrah in Birmingham to level the series while also keeping him fresh for Lord's.

Shastri stated, "Bumrah said he'll play three Test matches. Now, which of the three he'll play, that's, you know, another question to be asked. I think if he takes a break, it'll be the next one, because he'll definitely want to play at Lord's, right? And there's a break, and then you go into Lord's... It could be 2-0 down. So that is the problem. I think he has got to play."

However, if the anticipated decision to rest Bumrah for Birmingham holds, the focus shifts to finding a suitable replacement. India's bowling attack lacked penetration in the series opener, even with Bumrah in the lineup, making the replacement choice even more critical.

Former England bowler Stuart Broad suggested including Arshdeep Singh in place of Bumrah, while calls for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion are also gaining traction. The Indian team's direction will become clearer in the coming days, but a revamped bowling attack could be on display for the Birmingham Test.

IND vs ENG Series Schedule:

• 1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds – England won by 5 wickets
• 2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham
• 3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord’s, London
• 4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
• 5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, Kia Oval, London