Jasprit Bumrah will not be playing the second Test against England at Edgbaston. The absence of the team’s best bowler will certainly put India on the back foot even before the match begins.
After losing the first Test in Leeds, India is going through a period of concern. Not only is the loss a setback, but the next match becomes crucial to keep the series alive. The biggest worry is perhaps arranging the pace attack. Due to workload management, India will be without their star pacer Jasprit Bumrah.
India has never won a match at Edgbaston. That alone adds extra pressure on the team from the start. Bumrah’s absence only doubles that pressure. Not only is he one of the best bowlers of this era, but the team also lacks any experienced names. Facing the English side, India will have to undergo a tough test.
Now the question is—what will India’s pace attack look like? How will Gautam Gambhir shape the playing XI? For the next match, India’s likely pace trio will include Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep. All three are frontline pacers. Akash Deep is expected to replace Bumrah. One might ask—why not Arshdeep Singh? The team management believes Akash Deep will be more effective in England’s seam-friendly conditions.
On the other hand, Shardul Thakur, who failed at Headingley, might be dropped from the XI for the second Test. All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy may be given a chance in his place. This middle-order batter can also contribute with the ball, which will strengthen India’s batting depth. Other changes are also possible, including the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the XI.
India’s probable XI for the second Test against England:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Akash Deep, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj.
Although the top order performed in the last match, the lower middle order failed. In this match, Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar, and Jadeja will have to take on more responsibility.
India has no fond memories of Edgbaston. But cricket is not played on paper. Can India defy the stats and secure their first victory at this venue?
