ENG vs IND 2025: Star India pacer likely to be available for second Test against England
Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the second Test in Birmingham due to workload management, with India eyeing his return for the third Test at Lord’s.
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India’s campaign in the five-match Test series against England suffered an early jolt as they lost the opening Test in Leeds by five wickets. Despite Jasprit Bumrah’s stunning five-wicket haul in the first innings, India’s bowling lacked edge elsewhere, with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna struggling to make an impact. As the series moves to Edgbaston for the second Test starting July 2, India may have to deal with the absence of their pace spearhead.
According to sources confirmed to NDTV, Jasprit Bumrah will sit out the second Test as part of India’s workload management strategy. Bumrah bowled 44 overs throughout the opening Test—This was due to the workload management issues and to prevent his back injury, and also Headingley pitch being unlikely for fast bowlers. His absence would be damaging to India, particularly when the rest of the attack failed to come good. Prasidh Krishna returned figures of 5/220 in the two innings, while Siraj could pick up only two wickets in 41 overs.
India’s biggest concern ahead of the Edgbaston clash is not just the flat pitch expected but the need to preserve Bumrah’s fitness. The third Test at Lord’s, which starts just three days after the second, is seen as crucial, and the conditions there could suit Bumrah’s strengths. Hence, resting him now is seen as a tactical move to keep him fresh and fully fit for the bigger challenge at Lord’s.
Why Bumrah May Sit Out the Second Test
Flat Edgbaston Pitch Offers Little for Bowlers: Headingley, traditionally a seamer-friendly venue, produced a batting track for the first Test—one that saw England chase down 350 on Day 5. A similar flat pitch is expected at Edgbaston, making it unwise for Bumrah to grind through another 40-plus overs with little assistance. Giving him a break now could allow him to be sharper for more bowler-friendly conditions ahead.
Tight Schedule Demands Smart Workload Management: With the third Test beginning just three days after the Test at Edgbaston concludes, the turnaround is so tight that it becomes virtually impossible for Bumrah to recover if he plays both matches. The pitch at Lord's will probably suit pacers, and India will require their best pacer fully fit and in top form. Resting Bumrah in the second Test is therefore a strategic decision to reap long-term dividends.
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