Bumrah's England Test Fate: Rest or Risk for India's Series Comeback?

The Indian cricket team faces a critical decision regarding Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the upcoming second Test against England, commencing on July 2nd. As the team prepares in Birmingham, the question looms: should the ace seamer be rested to manage his workload, or should he play to help India level the series?

Prior to the series, it was agreed that Bumrah would participate in only three of the five Tests to ensure his physical well-being. The specific matches were not disclosed by chairman of the men's senior selection committee, Ajit Agarkar. Bumrah himself confirmed his limited participation in an interview. Head coach Gautam Gambhir echoed this sentiment in the post-match press conference in Leeds.

Bumrah bowled 44 overs in the Headingley Test. While the team enjoys a brief respite in Birmingham, a crucial discussion must occur between team management and Bumrah himself. With a short turnaround between the second and third Tests, the temptation to field him at Lord's from July 10th will be significant. Playing in Birmingham would likely rule him out of the Lord's Test due to the limited recovery time.

Indications suggest the second Test might be the designated break for the star bowler, aligning with the schedule and Gambhir's recent remarks.

The head coach emphasized that the series score would not influence decisions about Bumrah's participation. Instead, the focus remains on managing his workload effectively for future cricket commitments.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri acknowledged the difficulty of the decision. He noted the temptation to play Bumrah in Birmingham to level the series while also keeping him fresh for Lord's.

“Bumrah said he'll play three Test matches. Now, which of the three he'll play, that's, you know, another question to be asked. I think if he takes a break, it'll be the next one, because he'll definitely want to play at Lord's, right? And there's a break, and then you go into Lord's, then there's a break, and then there's a choice between Manchester and the same. It could be 2-0 down. So that is the problem. I think he has got to play,” Shastri commented.

If Bumrah is rested for Birmingham to ensure his availability for Lord's, the immediate challenge becomes finding a suitable replacement. India's bowling attack lacked penetration in the first Test, even with Bumrah.

Former England bowler Stuart Broad has suggested Arshdeep Singh as a potential replacement. Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion are also gaining momentum. The Indian cricket team's direction will become clearer in the coming days, but a revamped bowling attack could be on display 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