Bumrah Back in Nets: India's Bowling Attack Sharpens Focus Ahead of Edgbaston Test

Bumrah's Return to Nets Boosts India's Bowling Focus Ahead of Edgbaston Test

Birmingham: Jasprit Bumrah made a comeback to training on Saturday, shifting the focus firmly onto bowling as Team India continued their preparations for the Edgbaston Test.

Bumrah's return to the nets garnered significant attention, especially considering the existing doubts surrounding his availability for the crucial second Test against England. He had skipped Friday's opening session.

Following a five-wicket defeat at Headingley, which put them 0-1 down in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the Indian squad began their practice sessions on Friday. While the entire squad participated, the absence of Bumrah and fellow pacer Prasidh Krishna from active drills led to speculation about their readiness for the Birmingham Test.

However, Saturday brought a positive turn as Bumrah, Prasidh, and Mohammed Siraj were all seen bowling at the nets. Siraj also continued his batting practice from the previous day. Their return injected renewed energy into India's preparations as the team aims to stage a comeback 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. All four had engaged in extensive batting practice on Friday, with Gill and Pant spending considerable time in the nets.

While Bumrah’s return is encouraging, his inclusion in the Edgbaston XI remains uncertain. Having bowled 44 overs in the series opener, the 31-year-old 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 score.

With bowling now taking center stage in India's practice sessions, the team will be hoping their key bowlers are fully prepared as they seek a series-levelling victory at Edgbaston.