Bumrah's Return Boosts India's Bowling Prep for Edgbaston Test Against England

Bumrah Back in Action: India Intensifies Bowling Practice Ahead of Edgbaston Test

Birmingham – In a significant development for Team India, star bowler Jasprit Bumrah resumed training on Saturday, marking a shift in focus towards bowling preparations for the crucial Edgbaston Test. After sitting out Friday's initial session, Bumrah's return to the nets has sparked hope.

Following a setback at Headingley, where they suffered a five-wicket defeat, the Indian squad initiated preparations. While the entire team participated in practice, the absence of Bumrah and fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna from active drills had raised concerns about their availability for the upcoming Birmingham Test.

The second day of practice brought positive news as Bumrah, Prasidh, and Mohammed Siraj were all seen bowling at the nets. Siraj also continued working on his batting skills from the previous day. Their active participation has injected renewed vigor into India's preparations, as they aim to level the series in Birmingham.

Among the batsmen, Sai Sudharsan, who debuted in the Headingley Test, was the first to practice at the nets on Day 2. Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal were notably absent from Saturday's training session, after extensive batting practice on Friday, with Gill and Pant dedicating significant time to net sessions.

While Bumrah's return is encouraging, his inclusion in the Edgbaston XI remains uncertain. Having bowled 44 overs in the series opener, he is scheduled to participate in only three of the five Tests as part of a workload management strategy. Head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized that the decision regarding Bumrah’s participation will be made on a match-to-match basis.

With the focus now firmly on bowling, the team hopes their key bowlers will be ready for battle as they seek a series-equalizing victory at Edgbaston.