Birmingham Nets Offer Clues: Bumrah's Form a Mystery, Kuldeep Sharpens His Game

Jasprit Bumrah made a statement from the moment he entered the Edgbaston Cricket Ground nets. After a short walk, he grabbed a ball, performed his signature shoulder click, and took his position at the top of his mark in the center net.

Following a few gentle warm-up deliveries, Bumrah increased his pace. The measuring tape came out as he marked his run-up for an intense 20-minute spell of fast bowling. With several key players absent, Bumrah bowled to Sai Sudharsan, Ravindra Jadeja, and Karun Nair.

He challenged the batters with accuracy, tested them with varying angles, bowling around the wicket to left-handers and utilizing the crease's width for right-handers. Beyond his skills, Bumrah appeared mentally refreshed. The three-day break from bowling seemingly benefited the 31-year-old, who bowled alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

The trio, who participated in the Headingley Test, refrained from bowling during the team's first Birmingham practice but trained purposefully on the second day. Each bowler spent approximately thirty minutes bowling before practicing batting in the nets.

Siraj practiced leaves, ducks, and forward defense with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, while Bumrah explored various options, from side-armers to slow bowlers and throwdowns. He remained focused throughout the long session. While awaiting his turn to bat, he engaged in shadow practice and gradually gained confidence before the day ended.

In other nets, Ravindra Jadeja continued batting, Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep made impressions, and Kuldeep Yadav focused on both batting and bowling. While Akash or Arshdeep's inclusion depends on Bumrah's availability, Kuldeep is diligently preparing himself.

The left-arm wrist-spinner bowled, batted, and sought feedback from the support staff and teammates. He experimented with new angles and varying lengths. The dry Birmingham weather might prompt the Indian team management to consider him for the second Test next week.

His physical condition appears excellent, and his bowling rhythm is evident from his net sessions, dating back to the pre-match sessions in Leeds. He had a competitive session with Gill before the first Test and continues to enjoy his battles with Indian batters in Birmingham.

Kuldeep has also dedicated hours to honing his batting skills under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. For the past 18 months, Kuldeep has been committed to improving his batting and aims to contribute meaningfully with the bat.

After two days under the sun, the team will take a break before regrouping. The bowlers can rest, and bowling coach Morne Morkel can resume his playful wrestling with Arshdeep and Akash Deep at the team hotel. The suspense surrounding Bumrah will persist, at least for the next 48 hours.