Jasprit Bumrah Doubtful for Edgbaston Test as India Weighs Bowling Options After Setback

Will Jasprit Bumrah Feature in Edgbaston Test as India Trails?

Following their journey from Leeds to Birmingham and a day of rest, the Indian cricket team resumed training on Friday with an extensive five-hour session.

While Jasprit Bumrah was present at the ground, he neither bowled nor batted in the nets. The training session was held behind closed doors, making it difficult to ascertain whether Bumrah engaged in fitness activities or bowled privately inside the stadium. However, the nets session was visible from the street. The absence of Bumrah from the nets should not be interpreted as a definite sign, as all three main fast bowlers from the previous match – Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj – refrained from batting. Siraj did practice his batting before joining Bumrah and Prasidh inside.

Sources indicate that Bumrah's participation in the Edgbaston Test is unlikely. India's selection of Bumrah was made with the understanding that he would only be available for three of the five Tests against England. The initial plan involved him playing the first and third Tests, followed by a decision between the fourth and fifth based on the series' status. Significant gaps exist between the first and second, and the third and fourth Tests.

However, it's crucial to note that he has not been officially ruled out for Edgbaston. Discussions regarding the team composition are yet to commence, and if Bumrah feels physically fit, he might participate in the Test, which starts on Wednesday. India is scheduled to have an optional training session on Saturday, followed by a day off and another lengthy session on Monday.

Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep delivered extended spells in the nets. Arshdeep dedicated nearly half of his nets session to bowling with an old, somewhat altered ball. He also bowled around the wicket to right-handed batters. This could be a strategic decision by India after assessing the conditions, anticipating that reverse swing might be a significant factor.

The overall sentiment within the camp is to avoid dwelling excessively on the defeat at Headingley, where they repeatedly achieved dominant positions but failed to capitalize. The emphasis is on maintaining their approach, continuing to create strong positions, and then reacting more effectively.