Bumrah Returns to Nets as India Bolsters Bowling Attack Ahead of Edgbaston Test

Bumrah Back in Action as India Intensifies Bowling Practice for Edgbaston Test

Jasprit Bumrah made a return to training on Saturday, marking a significant shift in focus towards bowling as Team India continued their preparations for the crucial Edgbaston Test. After missing the opening session on Friday, Bumrah's presence in the nets has sparked considerable interest, particularly given the lingering uncertainty surrounding his availability for the second Test against England.

Following a five-wicket defeat at Headingley, which saw them trail 0-1 in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the Indian squad wasted no time in commencing their preparations on Friday. Although the entire squad participated in practice, the absence of Bumrah and fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna from active drills fueled speculation regarding their readiness for the Birmingham Test.

However, Saturday brought a positive turn of events for India's pace attack. Bumrah, Prasidh, and Mohammed Siraj were all seen bowling in the nets, with Siraj also continuing his batting practice from Day 1. Their return injected a renewed sense of intensity into India's preparations as the team aims to stage a comeback in Birmingham.

Among the batsmen, Sai Sudharsan, who debuted in the Headingley Test, was the first to practice 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 undoubtedly encouraging, his inclusion in the Edgbaston XI remains uncertain. The 31-year-old bowled a demanding 44 overs in the series opener and is scheduled to participate 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 regarding Bumrah's participation will be made on a match-to-match basis, irrespective of the series scoreline.

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 strive for a series-leveling victory at Edgbaston.