Bumrah Boosts India's Hopes: Pacer Returns to Nets Ahead of Edgbaston Test

Bumrah Back in Action as India Intensifies Bowling Drills Ahead of Edgbaston Test

Birmingham: Jasprit Bumrah, the star fast bowler, was back in training on Saturday as the Indian team sharpened its focus on bowling during the second day of preparations for the Edgbaston Test.

Bumrah's return to the nets was a welcome sight, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding his availability for the crucial second Test against England. He had missed the opening session on Friday, further fueling speculation.

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

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

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

While Bumrah's return is encouraging, his inclusion in the Edgbaston XI remains uncertain. The 31-year-old bowled 44 demanding overs in the series opener and is scheduled to play in only three of the five Tests as part of a workload management strategy. Head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized after the Headingley loss that the decision on Bumrah's participation will be made on a match-to-match basis, irrespective of the series situation.

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