Bumrah's Workload Under Scrutiny: Will India's Star Pacer Sit Out Second Test Against England?

The Indian cricket team faces a significant decision regarding Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the second Test against England, scheduled to commence on July 2nd in Birmingham.

Prior to the series, it was agreed that Bumrah would play only three of the five Tests to manage his workload. While the specific matches were not initially revealed, both Bumrah and head coach Gautam Gambhir have alluded to this plan.

Having bowled 44 overs in the Headingley Test, Bumrah's workload is a primary concern. The short turnaround between the second and third Tests presents a dilemma. Playing in Birmingham would likely rule him out of the Lord's Test, starting July 10th.

Given the schedule and Gambhir's recent comments, it is highly probable that Bumrah will rest for the second Test to remain fresh for Lord's.

Gambhir emphasized that the series scoreline would not influence the decision, prioritizing Bumrah's workload management for future matches.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, considering the temptation to play Bumrah in Birmingham to level the series while also keeping him fit for Lord's.

“Bumrah said he'll play three Test matches. Now, which of the three he'll play, that's, you know, another question to be asked. I think if he takes a break, it'll be the next one, because he'll definitely want to play at Lord's, right? And there's a break, and then you go into Lord's, then there's a break, and then there's a choice between Manchester and the same. It could be 2-0 down. So that is the problem. I think he has got to play,” Shastri said on Sky Sports Cricket.

If Bumrah is indeed rested for Birmingham, the focus shifts to finding a suitable replacement. The Indian bowling attack lacked penetration in the first Test, making this decision crucial.

Former England bowler Stuart Broad suggested Arshdeep Singh as a potential replacement, while calls for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion have also grown. The Indian team's strategy will become clear in the coming days, with a potentially revamped bowling lineup expected for the Birmingham Test.

IND vs ENG Series Schedule:

• 1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds – England won by 5 wickets
• 2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham
• 3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord’s, London
• 4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
• 5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, Kia Oval, London