Bumrah's Birmingham Test in Doubt: Workload Management Puts Star Bowler's Participation at Risk

The Indian cricket team faces a critical decision regarding Jasprit Bumrah ahead of the second Test against England, commencing on July 2nd in Birmingham. Discussions are ongoing about managing the workload of the premier fast bowler.

Jasprit Bumrah of India (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

Before the series, it was agreed that Bumrah would participate in only three of the five Tests to maintain his fitness. While the specific matches were not initially disclosed by chief selector Ajit Agarkar, Bumrah himself confirmed the three-Test plan in an interview. Head coach Gautam Gambhir reiterated this approach during a post-match press conference in Leeds.

After delivering 44 overs in the Headingley Test, Bumrah's participation in the Birmingham Test is under scrutiny. The short turnaround between the second and third Tests presents a significant challenge. There is a strong incentive for him to play at Lord's, starting July 10th. Playing in Birmingham would likely rule out his appearance in the subsequent Test due to the minimal four-day gap.

Considering the schedule and Gambhir's remarks, the second Test might be the designated rest period for the key bowler. The head coach emphasized that the series scoreline would not influence the decision; instead, it would be based on Bumrah's workload, prioritizing his long-term fitness.

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, given the temptation to field Bumrah in Birmingham to level the series and have him available for Lord's.

"Bumrah said he'll play three Test matches. Now, which of the three he'll play, that's 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? So that is the problem. I think he has got to play,” Shastri commented.

If the anticipated decision holds, with Bumrah sitting out Birmingham to conserve energy for Lord's, the immediate concern shifts to identifying a suitable replacement for the second Test. India's bowling attack lacked penetration in the series opener, even with Bumrah's presence.

Former England bowler Stuart Broad suggested Arshdeep Singh as Bumrah's replacement. Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion have also grown louder. The Indian team's strategy will become clearer in the coming days, but a revamped bowling lineup for the Birmingham Test is a distinct possibility.

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