India’s Practice Highlights: Bumrah & Prasidh Absent, Siraj Sharpens Batting

The five-match Test series between India and England didn’t start well for the visitors. England, led by young captain Shubman Gill, put up a decent show with the bat. However, they couldn’t defend the target of 371 runs in the final innings and ended up losing the match by five wickets.

The second Test match is set to begin on July 2 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. As the team gears up for the big game, the Indian team management faces a number of tough choices when it comes to picking the playing XI. Here are a few key observations from their first practice session in Birmingham.

Possible Changes in India's Bowling Attack for the Second Test

One of the key highlights from Team India’s first practice session was that Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna were missing. According to a report by Sahil Malhotra from the Times of India, their absence caught attention, especially with talks going around that Bumrah might be given rest for the second Test.

Even before the start of the series, it was confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah would not play all the games. However, with India losing the first game, there were doubts whether he would change his mind, but now the first practice session has indicated that he would indeed keep himself fresh for the third Test at the Lord's Cricket Ground.

India had a tough time with their fast bowlers in the first Test, apart from Jasprit Bumrah, who was the only one to make a real impact. This has raised the chances of a change in the pace attack for the second Test, with Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep likely to come into the picture. If Bumrah is rested for the next match, one spot will open up automatically. And with Prasidh Krishna conceding a lot of runs in the first Test, the team management might consider dropping him. According to a report by Revsportz, both Arshdeep and Akash were seen bowling in the nets, while Prasidh was missing from the session, a possible hint that a change is on the cards.

Nitish Reddy Could Replace Shardul Thakur as a Better All-Round Option

Revsportz, in their video of India's practice session, also showed Nitish Kumar Reddy bowling with Shardul Thakur. Thus, the management seems keen to make him bowl as much as possible, and if he does satisfy them, he could get a game over Shardul because of his superior batting skills.

Shardul Thakur couldn’t do much with the bat in the first Test, and Shubman Gill didn’t seem confident enough to give him many overs with the ball. He did pick up two wickets, but it wasn’t a standout performance. If India decides to go with an extra proper bowler, someone like Nitish Reddy, who can also contribute with the bat, might be a better option than Shardul.

India considers a Two-Spinner Strategy for the Second Test

India went with only one spinner in the opening Test, but as reported by Revsportz, they might go with two in the second game, with the pitch expected to provide a bit more assistance to the spinners.

If the management decides to go with a wicket-taking frontline spinner, then Kuldeep could get a look in. However, Washington Sundar will provide depth in the batting department and it could go in his favour.

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