Bumrah's Fiery Spell, Yadav's Rising Star: India's Net Session Insights Ahead of Second Test

From the moment Jasprit Bumrah entered the Edgbaston Cricket Ground nets, his focus was unmistakable. After a brief walk, he grabbed a ball and, with his signature shoulder motion, prepared to bowl from his mark in the center net.

He started with gentle deliveries to warm up for an intense spell of fast bowling. With each ball, his pace increased. The measuring tape was brought out to mark his run-up for a 20-minute burst at full speed. With several key batsmen taking a break, Bumrah bowled to players like Sai Sudharsan, Ravindra Jadeja, and Karun Nair.

He troubled the batters with his accuracy and different angles, bowling around the wicket for left-handers and utilizing the crease's width for right-handers. Beyond his skill, his fresh mental state was evident. The three-day break from bowling had clearly benefited the 31-year-old, who bowled alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

The trio, who played in the Headingley Test, did not bowl during their first practice in Birmingham but trained with purpose on the second day. Each bowler bowled for about thirty minutes before batting in the nets.

Siraj practiced leaves, ducks, and forward defense with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, while Bumrah explored various options. He experimented with side-armers, slow bowlers, and throwdowns. He also practiced his batting, starting tentatively but growing in confidence as the day progressed.

Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja continued batting, Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep impressed, and Kuldeep Yadav focused on both batting and bowling. Kuldeep is preparing thoroughly, whether Akash or Arshdeep plays depends on Bumrah's fitness.

Kuldeep bowled, batted, and sought feedback from the support staff and teammates. He is open to trying new angles and varying lengths. The dry weather in Birmingham might encourage the team management to consider him for the second Test.

He appears to be in excellent physical condition, and his bowling rhythm is evident from his net sessions. He had a compelling contest with Gill before the first Test and continues to enjoy facing Indian batters in Birmingham.

He is also working hard on his batting under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. For the past 18 months, Kuldeep has been diligently improving his batting and is eager to contribute meaningfully with the bat.

After two days of practice, the team will now take a break and regroup on June 30. The bowlers can rest, and bowling coach Morne Morkel can resume his WWE-style training with Arshdeep and Akash Deep at the hotel. As for Bumrah, the suspense regarding his availability will continue for at least the next 48 hours.