Daijiworld Media Network - Birmingham

Birmingham, Jun 28: India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to play in the second Test against England at Edgbaston starting July 2, according to a report by ESPNCricinfo. While Bumrah has not officially been ruled out, team sources suggest his inclusion is doubtful due to workload management and injury history.

Bumrah bowled nearly 44 overs in the first Test at Headingley, where he took a five-wicket haul in the first innings but went wicketless in the second as India failed to defend 371.

The Indian management has reportedly planned for Bumrah to feature in three out of five Tests in the ongoing series. While it is not yet clear which matches he is being rested for, it is believed that he was always intended to play the first and third Tests, with a decision to be made on the fourth or fifth depending on the series' progression.

India held a nearly five-hour training session on Friday after reaching Birmingham, but Bumrah neither bowled nor batted. Though present at the ground, there was no indication of him doing fitness or bowling drills. Mohammed Siraj batted briefly and then trained alongside Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna.

Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep had long spells in the nets, with Arshdeep specifically working with the old ball and bowling around the wicket to right-handers — suggesting India could look to exploit reverse swing at Edgbaston.

The final call on Bumrah’s inclusion will depend on how he responds to optional training on Saturday and the main session on Monday.

Despite the loss in Headingley, the team management is not looking to overhaul its playing style. The message remains clear — continue building strong positions and execute plans with greater precision.

India lead the five-match series 1-0.