During India’s optional training session on Saturday, Jasprit Bumrah made a comeback to the nets and bowled for at least 30 minutes. It has not yet been decided if Edgbaston will be the second of his three Test matches. Bumrah didn’t bowl in the nets on Friday, but he gave it his all on Saturday.
How Bumrah feels about his body before the Test will determine his involvement at Edgbaston.
Everyone showed up for the optional training session, with the exception of the first Test centurions, captain Shubman Gill, vice-captain Rishabh Pant, and openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal.
After India suffered collapses of 7 for 41 and 6 for 31 in Leeds, the primary goal in the nets on Saturday was to give the bowlers enough of batting practice. The totals for the previous four pairs were 18 and 29. India’s last four partnerships averaged 19.11 in 2021 and 16.35 in 2018 during their most recent two tours to England. India will work to have the lower order contribute similarly.
Home lower orders typically contribute more than their opponents in Test cricket, primarily because to the familiar surroundings and superior depth of their own bowling, which makes visiting attacks more likely to tire out or lose sting sooner. India has been competitive outside of Asia and the West Indies in recent years, and their lower order has been able to match the home lower orders, whether it is through their own bowling or some contributions from their lower order.
India will now take Sunday off before coming back on Monday for a rigorous training regimen. They will relax on the day before the game. Only the hitters who want throwdowns will probably show up. Tuesday is probably off for fast bowlers who are scheduled to play in the Test on Wednesday.