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

Jasprit Bumrah has rejoined the Indian team's training session in Birmingham, signaling a renewed focus on bowling preparations for the upcoming Edgbaston Test against England.

Jasprit Bumrah fine-tuning his bowling during net practice.

After missing the initial practice session, Bumrah's return to the nets has sparked considerable interest, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding his participation in the second Test.

Following a defeat at Headingley, which saw them fall behind 0-1 in the five-match series, the Indian squad wasted no time in commencing their preparations. While the entire squad was present for practice, the absence of Bumrah and fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna from active drills fueled speculations about their readiness for the Birmingham Test.

However, the second day of practice brought a positive turn as Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj were all seen bowling in the nets. Siraj also continued his batting practice from the previous day. Their involvement injected fresh energy into India's preparations as they aim to level the series in Birmingham.

Among the batsmen, Sai Sudharsan, who debuted in the Headingley Test, was the first to bat in the nets. Notably absent from the session were captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, all of whom had engaged in extensive batting practice on the first day.

While Bumrah's return is encouraging, his inclusion in the Edgbaston XI is not yet guaranteed. Having bowled a demanding 44 overs in the first Test, he is scheduled to play 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-by-match basis, irrespective of the series situation.

With bowling now taking center stage in India's practice, the team hopes their key bowlers will be fully prepared as they aim for a series-equalizing victory at Edgbaston.