India’s Monday afternoon training session at Edgbaston offered the strongest hint yet that the visitors are preparing to shake up their playing XI ahead of the second Test against England, starting July 2. With the series on the line after a five-wicket defeat at Headingley, the Indian team appears poised to make at least two changes – one of them involving pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
Bumrah, who sent down a taxing 43.4 overs in the series opener, was largely on the sidelines during training and bowled only briefly towards the end. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that a final call on Bumrah’s availability would be made within 24 hours, but signs point to the management opting for caution and resting him until the third Test at Lord’s.
In Bumrah’s likely absence, India will have to rejig their pace unit. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, who led the attack in Leeds, are expected to keep their spots. The third seamer’s role is still up in the air, with both Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep in contention. Arshdeep brings a left-arm variation that could trouble England’s right-hand-heavy top order, while Akash offers sharp seam movement and impressed during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, even if the numbers didn’t fully reflect his impact.
One change that appears all but confirmed is the exclusion of Shardul Thakur. The seam-bowling all-rounder had a quiet game in Leeds, bowling just 16 overs and contributing a mere five runs with the bat. In his place, Andhra’s rising star Nitish Kumar Reddy is expected to come in. A dynamic all-rounder, Reddy’s inclusion would lend better balance and depth to the side.
Also Read: ENG Vs IND: India’s Assistant Coach Gives Big Playing XI Update For 2nd Test At Edgbaston
The Edgbaston pitch, traditionally batting-friendly early on before offering assistance to spinners later in the match, may also prompt India to alter their spin strategy. India went in with just one frontline spinner in Leeds and felt the lack of a second option as the game progressed. This time, the management is seriously considering fielding two spinners.
Ravindra Jadeja is almost a guaranteed pick, fitness permitting. The toss-up for the second spin spot is between Kuldeep Yadav, who offers wrist-spin variety and attacking flair, and Washington Sundar, whose off-spin and batting ability provide added depth. Doeschate didn’t reveal which way the team would lean but strongly suggested a two-spinner approach. He also hinted at the possibility of playing both Jadeja and Sundar as all-rounders, depending on the final XI combination.
Fielding changes may also be in the offing. India dropped four catches in the slip cordon at Headingley, prompting a rethink of their close-in setup. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had an off day in the cordon, was seen training in a different fielding role on Monday. Karun Nair slotted in at first slip during drills, flanked by KL Rahul and skipper Shubman Gill at second and third. Nitish Reddy and Sai Sudharsan rotated between fourth slip and gully, indicating a possible new-look slip formation for the second Test.
England, meanwhile, have named an unchanged XI for the Birmingham Test. With the hosts holding a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, India now find themselves under pressure, not just to tweak personnel, but to execute better if they are to level the series at Edgbaston. The second test will be played on 4th July.
Also Read: ENG Vs IND, 2nd Test: Will It Rain In Edgbaston? Check Full Weather Update!
