While India prepared for the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, which was to commence on July 2, the no-show by Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna for the initial training session left critical doubts about the bowling fitness of the team. This was the first net practice for the team since their five-wicket defeat in Leeds.
As per a report in The Times of India, Bumrah is “likely to miss the second Test as part of his workload management.” His absence, however, is a huge loss for the Indian team, particularly after the bowling department appeared ineffective in the series opener.
India Struggled to Defend 350 in Leeds
In the Leeds Test, India could not defend a 350-run target on the last day. Although Bumrah remained wicketless in the second innings after bowling 19 overs, he had taken five wickets in England’s first innings. England was at 286 for four at a crucial juncture, and even though the game was in the balance, Bumrah was not brought back for another over. He finished with 19-3-57-0 in the last innings.
His absence allowed England to recover and settle, with Joe Root scoring an unbeaten half-century and Ben Duckett notching a century, sealing the win for the hosts.
Prasidh’s Status Unclear, Siraj Trains with Bat
Prasidh Krishna also missed the initial practice session, sparking speculation over his fitness and availability for the second Test. With Bumrah’s potential absence and Prasidh under observation, India’s pace attack looks fragile heading into Edgbaston.
Mohammed Siraj turned up for training but did not bowl. He instead worked on his batting, spending long hours with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. In light of India’s lower-order batting problem in the first Test, this change of heart appeared deliberate.
Arshdeep Impresses in Nets, Likely to Replace Bumrah
Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh underwent a tough session with bowling coach Morne Morkel. The duo spent time working on the left-arm pacer’s back-foot landing, run-up, and general alignment while bowling — problems they had also worked on during the Leeds Test build-up. Having sat out the first Test, Arshdeep is now seemingly the favourite to replace Bumrah.
With seamers having traditionally benefited from conditions at Edgbaston, India’s bowling strategy will depend on the return of its pacers and the availability of standbys like Arshdeep.