Bumrah's Edgbaston Test Appearance in Doubt as India Eyes Series Leveling

Following a day of rest after their journey from Leeds to Birmingham, the Indian cricket team resumed training on Friday with an extensive five-hour session. The focus now shifts to the crucial Test match at Edgbaston.

While Jasprit Bumrah was present at the ground, he did not participate in either bowling or batting practice. The session was held behind closed doors, making it difficult to ascertain whether Bumrah was undergoing fitness drills or engaging in private bowling exercises. Although the net session was visible from the street, Bumrah's absence from the nets should not be taken as a definitive sign. Notably, all three frontline fast bowlers from the previous match – Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj – refrained from batting. Siraj did, however, take a brief turn with the bat before joining Bumrah and Prasidh inside the stadium.

However, sources indicate that Bumrah's participation in the Edgbaston Test is uncertain. It was understood that Bumrah would only be available for three of the five Tests against England. The original plan involved him playing the first and third Tests, with a decision on either the fourth or fifth Test based on the series situation. Substantial intervals separate the first and second, as well as the third and fourth Tests.

It is important to note that Bumrah has not been officially ruled out for Edgbaston. Discussions regarding the team composition are yet to commence. If Bumrah feels physically fit, he may indeed participate in the Test, which commences on Wednesday. India is scheduled to hold an optional training session on Saturday, followed by a day off and another extended session on Monday.

Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep bowled lengthy spells in the nets. Arshdeep dedicated approximately half of his net session to bowling with an old, deliberately worn ball. He also bowled around the wicket to right-handed batsmen, potentially indicating a strategic adjustment based on anticipated conditions. India may be preparing for reverse swing to play a significant role.

The team's prevailing sentiment is to avoid dwelling on the defeat at Headingley. Despite consistently placing themselves in advantageous positions, they were unable to capitalize. The emphasis is on maintaining their established approach, repeatedly striving for strong positions, and then reacting more effectively.