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

Bumrah Back in Action as India Intensifies Bowling Drills

Jasprit Bumrah made a return to training on Saturday, shifting the focus of Team India's preparations for the Edgbaston Test to bowling. After missing Friday's opening session, Bumrah's presence at the nets sparked considerable interest, especially given the lingering doubts about his availability for the 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 began their preparations on Friday. While the entire squad participated in practice, both Bumrah and fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna were absent from the active drills, leading to speculation about their readiness for the Birmingham Test.

However, Saturday brought a significant boost to India's pace attack. Bumrah, Prasidh, and Mohammed Siraj all bowled at the nets, with Siraj continuing his batting practice from Day 1. Their return infused renewed intensity into India's preparations as the team aims to bounce back 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. These 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 sign for the team, his inclusion in the Edgbaston XI remains uncertain. The 31-year-old bowled 44 overs in the series opener and is expected 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 taking center stage in India's practice sessions, the team is hoping that their key bowlers will be fully prepared as they aim for a series-leveling victory at Edgbaston.