Bumrah's Birmingham Dilemma: Rest or Risk for India's Star Pacer in Crucial England Test?

Bumrah's Break: Will India's Key Pacer Sit Out Birmingham Test?

The Indian cricket team faces a critical decision regarding Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the second Test against England, commencing July 2nd.

Jasprit Bumrah of India (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

Prior to the series, it was agreed that Bumrah would play only three Tests to manage his workload. The specific matches were not revealed. Bumrah himself confirmed this plan in an interview, and head coach Gautam Gambhir reiterated it after the Leeds Test.

Following Bumrah's 44-over workload in the first Test, the team management must decide whether he should rest during the two-day break in Birmingham. The short turnaround between the second and third Tests creates a strong incentive for him to play at Lord's from July 10th. Playing in Birmingham would likely rule him out of the Lord's Test due to the minimal four-day gap.

Gambhir stated that the series scoreline wouldn't influence the decision, emphasizing the need to manage Bumrah for future matches.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri acknowledged the difficult choice, recognizing the temptation to play Bumrah in Birmingham to level the series and then again at Lord's. Shastri suggested that if Bumrah were to take a break, it would likely be in the second Test to ensure his availability for Lord's.

However, should Bumrah miss the Birmingham Test, the question arises of who will replace him. India's bowling attack lacked potency in the first Test, even with Bumrah. Former England bowler Stuart Broad suggested Arshdeep Singh as a potential replacement, while calls for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion have also grown louder.

The Indian team's strategy will become apparent in the coming days, but a revamped bowling attack could be on the horizon for the Birmingham Test.

IND vs ENG Series Schedule:

• 1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds – England won by 5 wickets
• 2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham
• 3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord’s, London
• 4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
• 5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, Kia Oval, London