Bumrah Returns to Nets as India Fine-Tunes Bowling Attack for Edgbaston Test

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

Jasprit Bumrah made his return to training on Saturday, shifting the focus to bowling drills as Team India continued their preparations for the Edgbaston Test.

After missing Friday's initial session, Bumrah's presence at the nets was closely observed, particularly given the ongoing uncertainty about his availability for the crucial second Test against England.

Following a five-wicket defeat at Headingley, which put them 0-1 down in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India commenced their preparations on Friday. While the entire squad participated in practice, the absence of Bumrah and fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna from active drills fueled speculation about their readiness for the Birmingham Test.

Team India’s Intense Nets at Edgbaston| Prep for 2nd Test vs England

Saturday, however, brought a significant boost to India's pace attack. Bumrah, Prasidh, and Mohammed Siraj all bowled at the nets, with Siraj building on his batting practice from Day 1. Their return infused renewed vigor into India's preparations as the team aims to rebound strongly 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 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 a positive development, his inclusion in the Edgbaston XI remains uncertain. The 31-year-old bowled 44 demanding 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 hopes that its key bowlers will be fully prepared as they strive for a series-leveling victory at Edgbaston.

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