Bumrah's Birmingham Bowling Baffles, While Kuldeep Yadav Readies for Potential Test Call-Up

Jasprit Bumrah showcases his dedication during a net session.

Birmingham witnessed intense preparations as the Indian team geared up. Jasprit Bumrah immediately commanded attention upon entering the Edgbaston Cricket Ground nets.

Following a brief walk, he grabbed a ball, executed his signature shoulder rotation, and positioned himself at his mark in the central net.

He initiated his session with gentle deliveries, gradually increasing pace. After achieving sufficient looseness, his run-up was measured for an aggressive 20-minute spell. With Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant absent, Bumrah bowled to Sai Sudharsan, Ravindra Jadeja, and Karun Nair.

He skillfully challenged the batsmen with accuracy and varied angles, utilizing around-the-wicket tactics for left-handers and the crease's width for right-handers. Beyond his skills, his mental freshness was evident. The three-day break seemingly rejuvenated the 31-year-old, who bowled alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

The trio, previously featured in the Headingley Test, refrained from bowling during Friday's initial practice but trained purposefully on the second day. Each bowler participated for approximately thirty minutes before practicing batting.

Siraj honed his leaving, ducking, and forward defense under batting coach Sitanshu Kotak's guidance, while Bumrah sampled all available options, from side-armers to slow deliveries and throwdowns. He remained focused throughout the session, engaging in shadow practice while awaiting his turn to bat.

Confidence grew after playing several deliveries, ending the day on a positive note.

Business continued as usual in the other nets. Ravindra Jadeja continued batting. Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep impressed, and Kuldeep Yadav focused on both batting and bowling. The selection of Akash or Arshdeep hinges on Bumrah's availability, while Kuldeep left no stone unturned in his preparation.

The left-arm wrist-spinner bowled, batted, and sought feedback from the support staff and teammates. He experimented with angles and lengths, and the dry Birmingham weather could prompt consideration for his inclusion in the second Test.

He displayed excellent physical condition and bowling rhythm, evident since the pre-match sessions in Leeds. His gripping contest with Gill before the first Test continued in Birmingham.

Beyond bowling, Kuldeep dedicated hours to batting practice under head coach Gautam Gambhir and Sitanshu Kotak. For 18 months, Kuldeep has diligently worked on his batting, aiming to contribute meaningfully with the bat.

After two days, the team will break before regrouping on June 30. The bowlers can rest, and bowling coach Morne Morkel can continue his "WWE" sessions with Arshdeep and Akash Deep. Bumrah's situation remains a suspense, at least for the next 48 hours.