The stage is set, and both the captains went out for the toss today at Edgbaston, Birmingham. After winning the toss for they again elected to bowl first. Upon asking the same to Indian skipper Shubman Gill, he replied he would have opted for the same if won the toss. India made three crucial changes, including Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and the most surprising Akash Deep. Akash Deep replaced Jasprit Bumrah for the second Test.
“Would’ve bowled first as well. If there’s anything in the wicket, it’s in the first day. Three changes – Reddy, Washi and Akash Deep come in. No Bumrah. Just to manage his workload. We did get a good break and this is an important match for us. But the third Test being at Lord’s, we think there’ll be more in that pitch so we’ll use him there. We were tempted to play Kuldeep but looking at the last match, our lower order didn’t do well, so decided to add some depth to the batting.” Gill said after the toss.
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Why Is Bumrah Not Playing Today?
India and England will play the third Test match of the series at the iconic Lord’s, which will be a series decider. Considering Bumrah’s workload management and earlier advice from specialists, Bumrah is expected to feature in just three matches of this crucial Test series. Therefore, to conserve Bumrah’s appearance for future games, he has been benched for the Edgbaston Test, where young gun Akash Deep replaced him.
India Changes For 2nd Test
India made 3 changes and brought an additional spinner to the side. Washington Sundar has been given a chance in the play to keep Ravindra Jadeja company. Shardul Thakur has been replaced by Nitish Kumar Reddy, the centurion from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The most surprising change for the visitors was their ace bowler getting benched. Jasprit Bumrah has been replaced by Akash Deep.
Playing XIs
India (Playing XI): Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill(c), Rishabh Pant(w), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(w), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
