India began their preparations for next week’s second Test at Edgbaston with an extended, five-hour nets session on Friday, yet Jasprit Bumrah did not send down a single ball. The spearhead walked out with the rest of the squad, observed closely for a while, but stayed inside the main ground rather than joining the visible practice area on the outfield.
Team sources indicate the 30-year-old is unlikely to feature on Wednesday. India had always earmarked him for three of the five matches in this series, pencilling in the first and third Tests plus one of the final two depending on how the rubber unfolded. With the side 1-0 down, management appear reluctant to risk his back so early in a long campaign.
“His workloads were mapped out before we left India,” a support-staff member told reporters. “We’ve got to stick to that unless he wakes up pain-free and insists he’s ready.”
Officially, Bumrah has not been ruled out. Selection conversations are scheduled for Monday after another full training day. If the right-armer reports no stiffness, he could yet make a late push. For now, though, coaching staff have started planning without him.
Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep bowled the longest spells in the nets, both asked to operate with an old, scuffed ball. Arshdeep, in particular, moved to round the wicket and honed a rough-edged reverse swing routine. Bowling coach Paras Mhambrey nodded approvingly. “We expect the abrasive square here and the hot forecast to bring reverse into play,” he said. “The lads need to be comfortable doing that for 10-12 overs at a stretch.”
Mohammed Siraj had a brief hit with the bat before heading indoors to join Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna for what was described as “body management”. The three quicks from Headingley were excused bowling duties; no alarms raised.
Inside the camp the focus is on execution, not over-analysis of the defeat in Leeds. Captain Rohit Sharma reminded his players that they created multiple openings in that match. “Keep putting ourselves in those positions, finish the job next time,” he said during a short huddle.
If Bumrah is rested, India could pick both left-armers—Arshdeep and Kuldeep Sen—to create varied angles alongside Siraj and Prasidh. Another option is adding all-rounder Shardul Thakur to lengthen the batting, though coaches privately admit their best path to levelling the series lies in taking 20 wickets.
Bumrah’s final fitness call is expected late Tuesday. Until then, India will train, rest on Sunday, and reconvene for a decisive Monday session. The mood is measured: respectful of England’s advantage, quietly confident that the visitors still have the resources to turn the tide.
