Bumrah likely to miss Edgbaston Test

London

India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to feature in the second Test against England at Edgbaston, beginning July 2, due to workload management concerns, according to reports from ESPNcricinfo. The management had pre-planned to field Bumrah in only three of the five Tests, although which matches he would play have not been officially disclosed.

Bumrah bowled nearly 44 overs in the first Test at Headingley, claiming a five-wicket haul in the first innings but going wicketless in the second. With his injury history and the physical demands of the format, team management appears cautious about overextending his workload.

Although Bumrah was present during India’s five-hour closed-door training session on Friday, he neither bowled nor batted. Whether he participated in individual fitness drills remains unclear. The session, partially visible from a nearby street, saw pacers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna join Bumrah, while Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep bowled long spells in the nets.

Arshdeep, in particular, focused on reverse swing, bowling around the wicket with the old ball, indicating India may be preparing for Birmingham’s potentially abrasive surface.

Despite the loss at Headingley, the team is not overly concerned. The mood within the camp is focused on repeating positive processes rather than overhauling tactics. India’s squad includes captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, and key players like Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and KL Rahul. With big gaps between Tests, Bumrah may return for the third or later matches, depending on his fitness and series progression.