India’s Playing XI for 2nd Test vs England: Bumrah Likely to Miss Out, Arshdeep & Akash Deep in Contention

India’s Playing XI for 2nd Test vs England is under the spotlight as star pacer Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested due to workload concerns. After a five-wicket haul and bowling 44 overs in the first Test, Bumrah’s participation in the Edgbaston match appears doubtful. With Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep bowling long spells in training, team India may introduce fresh pace options as they look to bounce back after the Headingley defeat.

Jasprit Bumrah’s Absence May Force Changes in India’s Playing XI for 2nd Test vs England

As the countdown begins for the second Test match between India and England at Edgbaston on July 2, speculation is rising around India’s Playing XI for 2nd Test vs England. All eyes are on Jasprit Bumrah, who is reportedly set to be rested due to workload and injury management concerns.

Bumrah was the star performer in the first innings of the Leeds Test, where he claimed a five-wicket haul. However, the ace pacer bowled close to 44 overs in that match, including a long second-innings spell while defending a daunting total of 371 runs. Given his recent comeback from injury, the Indian team management is unlikely to risk him for back-to-back Test matches.

Reports from ESPNcricinfo suggest that Bumrah will play only three of the five Test matches in the series, although the specific fixtures haven’t been confirmed. Currently, it looks like the management had initially penciled him in for the first and third Tests, with a decision on the fourth or fifth to be taken later based on the series’ progress.

India resumed training after traveling on Friday, with an extended five-hour session at the venue. Bumrah was present at the ground but didn’t bowl or bat, hinting at his likely exclusion from the upcoming game. The training session was closed to the public and media, making it difficult to gather complete details of his physical activities, though outside observers noted that he joined Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna at the venue later in the day.

In Bumrah’s probable absence, India’s Playing XI for 2nd Test vs England could feature a new face in the fast-bowling department. Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep made the most of the opportunity during nets. Both bowled long spells, with Arshdeep particularly impressive using an old ball and bowling around the wicket to right-handers an approach that indicates India’s plan to use reverse swing at Edgbaston, known for assisting seamers later in the day.

Despite the Headingley loss, the Indian camp is maintaining a composed and focused approach. The team management is encouraging players not to overanalyze the defeat but instead continue with the same intent and process that got them into commanding positions earlier in the series.

There is an optional training session on Saturday followed by a full one on Monday, where final decisions about India’s Playing XI for 2nd Test vs England will likely be made. Should Bumrah’s fitness show improvement, he might still feature. But the signs so far indicate the management is inclined to give him a break.

India’s Test Squad for England Series

• Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan
• Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja
• Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah
• Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav

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