India will face England in the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham from July 2 at 3:30 PM IST. After losing the first Test, India is likely to make a few changes to their playing XI.
Star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah could be rested for this match. Indian assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said they are managing his workload carefully. With Bumrah possibly missing, India needs to rethink its bowling attack.
To replace Bumrah, India may pick Kuldeep Yadav, who can offer spin variety. Also, all-rounders Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy are being considered. They can both bowl and bat, which adds balance to the team.
Washington Sundar is experienced and can bowl long spells. Nitish Kumar Reddy is a young all-rounder and has impressed in domestic cricket. India might pick either of them to strengthen both batting and bowling.
India has never won a Test match at Edgbaston. Out of 8 games there, they’ve lost 7 and drawn 1. This makes the second Test even more important, as the team looks to level the series.
'If We Feel...': Ryan Ten Doeschate Provides Huge Update On Jasprit Bumrah’s Availability Ahead Of IND Vs ENG 2nd Test; Video
Indian assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has shed light on the much-anticipated decision regarding Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the second Test match against England, scheduled to begin on July 2, 2025, at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, ten Doeschate acknowledged that Bumrah is fully fit and has been training actively, but added that the final decision on whether the pace spearhead will take the field would be made closer to the match.
“With Jasprit Bumrah, he is ready to play,” ten Doeschate confirmed. “Like I said, it is how we manage him. If we feel there is value in playing him in this Test, we will make this call very last minute.”
India’s coaching staff is weighing several factors before finalizing Bumrah’s inclusion in the playing XI, including the nature of the pitch and broader workload management considerations.
“We are talking about how the pitch is gonna play,” ten Doeschate explained. “We have seen him train yesterday and today. It is not that he is not fit to play. We are just trying to fit those puzzle pieces to get the most out of him.”
Bumrah’s potential involvement is seen as crucial, especially given his match-winning capabilities in English conditions. However, with a long series ahead and the team management wary of overworking their premier fast bowler, the decision will balance short-term impact with long-term sustainability.
