India Preps for England Test Amid Bumrah Workload Management

India Gears Up for Second Test Against England; Bumrah Skips Net Session

The Indian cricket team has commenced preparations for the crucial second Test against England, holding their first net session at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Friday. This practice marks their return to the field following a disappointing five-wicket defeat in the opening Test at Headingley, which handed England a 1-0 lead in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.

Team India's net session in Birmingham.

All squad members were present, including pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, though he did not participate in the on-field activities. Prasidh Krishna was also absent from bowling and drills, while the rest of the team engaged in a comprehensive training session. Mohammed Siraj dedicated significant time to his batting, and head coach Gautam Gambhir was observed in lengthy discussions with pacers Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep.

Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant took to the nets for batting practice, while other bowlers, excluding Bumrah and Prasidh, carried out their bowling routines. Despite the scrutiny following the loss in Leeds, the atmosphere within the camp appeared relaxed. The team leadership continues to support the squad during this transitional phase, with senior players offering guidance to their younger counterparts.

The focus now shifts to the Jasprit Bumrah situation. Having bowled 44 overs in the first Test, the ace fast bowler is expected to participate in only three matches throughout the series as part of workload management. Coach Gambhir reaffirmed this strategy during the post-match press conference, emphasizing that Bumrah's appearances would not be dictated by the series scoreline and that decisions would be made on a game-by-game basis.

With only a four-day gap between the second Test at Edgbaston (July 2–6) and the third at Lord’s (July 10–14), indications suggest that Birmingham could be the designated rest match for Bumrah. Gambhir and chairman of selectors Ajit Agarkar have both stressed the importance of workload management, implying that Bumrah’s availability will be determined with a long-term perspective, irrespective of the series' current state.