India’s pace attack could be in for more changes ahead of the second Test against England, with fresh concerns emerging over the availability of two key fast bowlers.
As Team India, led by stand-in captain Shubman Gill, prepares for the challenge at Edgbaston, the absence of Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna from training has sparked plenty of speculation.
According to The Times of India, Bumrah, who bowled an exhausting 44 overs in the first Test, was at Edgbaston but opted out of the net session. The decision has fuelled talk that he may be rested to manage his workload, especially given the demanding schedule.
Adding to India’s selection headache, Prasidh Krishna—who picked up five wickets in the opening Test despite conceding runs at a high economy rate—was also not seen in the bowling drills. His absence has only intensified rumours that he could be left out of the second match.
Earlier, head coach Gautam Gambhir had hinted that Bumrah wouldn’t necessarily play every game in the series, outlining a strategy built around maintaining fitness and freshness. With both bowlers possibly unavailable, the selectors now face some tricky decisions as they look to rejig India’s pace options.
During practice, uncapped bowlers Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep were spotted in a long discussion with Gambhir, suggesting they are firmly in the reckoning for the playing XI. If Arshdeep gets the nod, he could be set for his Test debut—a significant moment for the young left-arm seamer.
While the pace attack was the main focus, the rest of the squad made the most of the training session. Gill and Rishabh Pant spent extended time in the nets, working on their technique against quality spin and seam. Mohammed Siraj, known for his skill with the ball, dedicated part of the day to improving his batting, highlighting India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen their lower-order resilience.
Meanwhile, England have named their squad for Edgbaston, with Jofra Archer’s much-anticipated return after a long injury layoff stealing the headlines. Whether Archer makes the final XI remains to be seen, but his inclusion adds an extra layer of intrigue to a contest that is shaping up to be pivotal in the series.
With India balancing fitness concerns, form, and opportunities for new talent, the second Test promises to be a crucial encounter—one where selection choices could end up deciding the direction of the series.
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