The Indian team in Birmingham got back to business after a short break on Friday as the players resumed training ahead of the second Test scheduled in Edgbaston, starting July 2.
While Jasprit Bumrah was present at the nets, he sat out of all on-field activity, continuing the team's strategy to manage his workload, as reported by The Times of India. Prasidh Krishna also refrained from bowling drills, while the rest of the contingent went through a rigorous, full-length session.
The all-round session included head coach Gautam Gambhir working intensively with the pace bowlers as India looked determined to bounce back after the five-wicket Headingley defeat.
Also read: IND vs ENG 2025: Jasprit Bumrah To Miss Second Test Against England - Reports
India Begin Edgbaston Prep Minus Jasprit Bumrah, New Faces in Bowling Mix
The nets session took place on Friday at Edgbaston, where morale appeared upbeat. All players, apart from Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna, followed their usual routines. Mohammed Siraj focused on improving his batting, while captain Shubman Gill and his deputy Rishabh Pant took long spells facing the bowlers.
India’s bowling strategy in Birmingham is clearly influenced by Bumrah's workload management. Head coach Gambhir has reiterated that Bumrah, who took a fifer in the first innings at Headingley, will play only three of the five Tests in England to preserve his fitness.
With just a four-day gap between the Edgbaston Test (July 2-6) and the next match at Lord’s (July 10-14), the second Test is a strong candidate for Bumrah to sit out.
Arshdeep Singh or Akash Deep Likely to Replace Jasprit Bumrah at Edgbaston
In Bumrah’s absence, the management appears to be experimenting with other seamers. Prasidh also skipped the practice day following a mixed performance at Headingley. Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep engaged in extended discussions with Gambhir. One of these two could replace Bumrah.
Siraj spent time working on his batting. India’s tail failed to provide any support in Leeds, which eventually became one of the reasons behind their loss.
