ENG vs IND: Not Arshdeep! Irfan Pathan reveals who should replace Jasprit Bumrah in India's playing XI if he gets rested

There are rumours of Jasprit Bumrah being rested for the Edgbaston test.

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has revealed his favourite choice to replace Jasprit Bumrah in the playing XI for the second test if the latter is rested in the match. India Cricket Team are gearing up for the second test match against England Cricket Team, scheduled to commence on July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.

England have already announced their playing XI for the second test and retained the same set of players like the opening game. On the other hand, India are likely to make some changes to their playing XI following an ineffective bowling show by their bowlers in the opening game. Notably, except for Bumrah in the first innings, other bowlers struggled against England batters in the first test.

Bumrah grabbed a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the Headingley test. Some reports have claimed that the senior Indian pacer might be rested in the Edgbaston test. Notably, ahead of India’s tour of England 2025, the Indian selectors clarified that Bumrah will only feature in three tests out of five games to manage his workload during the series.

Irfan Pathan feels India should play Akash Deep if Jasprit Bumrah is rested in 2nd test

While speaking on his YouTube channel, cricketer-turned-commentator Pathan said that Akash Deep will be a good choice in India’s playing XI if Bumrah is rested for the second test. The former India pacer also feels that Akash can trouble England batters with his seam deliveries.

“If Bumrah is not there, then who should come into the side in his place? Akash Deep, from what’s been seen in the nets, seems to be getting into his rhythm. I feel that he is the Shami mould type of bowler,” Pathan said.

“His straight seam deliveries can trouble the England batters, especially when it comes to late movement. If you are going aggressive, this could be a problem. We will come to Arshdeep, but I think if Bumrah is not playing, then it should be Akash Deep who should come in his place,” he added.

Right-arm pacer Akash Deep has shown decent performances across seven tests so far, picking 15 wickets at an average of 35.20. Arshdeep Singh is yet to make his test debut for India. Notably, both the Indian pacers were seen undergoing hard training sessions with bowling coach Morne Morkel ahead of the second test.

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