Bumrah Boosts India's Hopes: Star Pacer Returns to Nets 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, shifting the focus of Team India's preparations for the Edgbaston Test firmly onto bowling. His presence at the nets was highly anticipated, especially given the lingering questions about his availability for the crucial second Test against England.

Following a demoralizing five-wicket defeat at Headingley, which left them trailing 0-1 in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the Indian squad began their preparations in earnest on Friday. While the entire squad was present for practice, the absence of Bumrah and fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna from active drills fueled speculation regarding their fitness for the Birmingham Test.

However, Saturday brought a significant morale boost to India's pace attack. Bumrah, Prasidh, and Mohammed Siraj were all seen bowling at the nets. Siraj also continued the batting practice he had begun on Day 1. Their return injected renewed energy into India’s training sessions, as the team aims for a strong comeback in Birmingham.

Among the batsmen, Sai Sudharsan, who debuted in the Headingley Test, was the first to practice at 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 to training is undoubtedly a positive sign, 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 situation.

With bowling taking center stage in India's practice sessions, the team is hoping that their key bowlers will be fully prepared as they strive for a series-equalizing victory at Edgbaston.