Jasprit Bumrah, India’s key fast bowler, might miss the second Test against England, which begins July 2 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Indian captain Shubman Gill said Bumrah is available and a final decision will depend on the pitch conditions. His lack of training before the game could mean the 31-year-old is preparing for the third game at Lord’s, which starts next Thursday.
Sources say India, who are down 0-1 in the five-match series, might make as many as three changes in Birmingham. Bengal pacer Akash Deep is expected to replace Bumrah. Washington Sundar could come in for Shardul Thakur as the second change. Nitish Kumar Reddy could replace Sai Sudharshan at No. 3 or Karun Nair at No. 6 as the third change. Reddy is an all-rounder who can bowl medium pace.
Several former players support selecting Kuldeep, but it’s unlikely since Gill said it’s hard to leave the wrist spinner out.
These are tough decisions. If you play an extra spinner, you must consider how to manage him on day 1 if you’re bowling. The first session or two on day 1 are usually when these wickets offer something,” India’s number four said. So, deciding how to manage your second spinner, mainly on day 1, is the key decision on these wickets.
India’s possible Playing XI for 2nd Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (w), Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep.