Jasprit Bumrah's Birmingham Bowling Baffles, Kuldeep Yadav Fine-Tunes Ahead of Second Test

Jasprit Bumrah immediately conveyed a sense of purpose upon entering the Edgbaston Cricket Ground's net area. The fast bowler wasted no time, swiftly initiating his warm-up routine with his signature shoulder movement before taking his position at the center net.

After a series of gentle deliveries to ease into the session, Bumrah steadily increased his pace. Once he felt adequately prepared, his run-up was measured out for an intense 20-minute spell of full-throttle bowling. With several key batsmen absent from Saturday's net session, Bumrah directed his deliveries towards Sai Sudharsan, Ravindra Jadeja, and Karun Nair.

He challenged the batsmen with varied strategies, utilizing different angles and exploiting the width of the crease to target both left- and right-handed players. More than just technical skill, Bumrah's evident mental freshness, aided by a three-day break from bowling, was striking. Alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, the 31-year-old formed a formidable bowling trio.

The trio, all participants in the Headingley Test, had refrained from bowling during the team's initial Birmingham practice on Friday but engaged with considerable intent on the subsequent day. Each bowler dedicated roughly thirty minutes to bowling before practicing their batting skills in the nets.

Siraj concentrated on leaves, ducks, and forward defensive techniques with the assistance of batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. Bumrah, on the other hand, rotated between nets to experience a variety of bowling styles. He displayed unwavering focus throughout his extended session, which included side-arm deliveries, slow bowling, and throwdowns. During breaks from batting, he engaged in shadow practice, gradually growing in confidence as the day progressed.

Elsewhere in the nets, Ravindra Jadeja continued his batting practice, while Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep aimed to leave a mark with their bowling. Kuldeep Yadav diligently focused on both his batting and bowling. While Akash or Arshdeep's inclusion hinges on Bumrah's fitness, Kuldeep is leaving no area of preparation untouched.

The left-arm wrist-spinner actively sought feedback from the support staff and fellow players, demonstrating a willingness to experiment with angles and lengths. The dry conditions in Birmingham may prompt the Indian team management to consider him for the upcoming second Test.

His physical condition appears optimal, and his bowling rhythm has been consistently strong since the pre-match sessions in Leeds before the series began. He engaged in a compelling contest with Gill before the first Test and continues to relish his battles with Indian batsmen in Birmingham.

Kuldeep's dedication extends beyond bowling, as he has devoted considerable time to refining his batting skills under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. Over the past 18 months, Kuldeep has been diligently working to improve his batting and is eager to make significant contributions with the bat.

Following two days of training, the team will now take a break before reconvening on June 30. The bowlers will have the opportunity to rest, while bowling coach Morne Morkel can resume his playful wrestling sessions with Arshdeep and Akash Deep at the team hotel. As for Bumrah, the uncertainty surrounding his participation will persist for at least the next 48 hours.