ENG vs IND: Should Jasprit Bumrah play Edgbaston test? Ravi Shastri has his say

Ravi Shastri feels Edgbaston test is a very important match for India in the ongoing series.

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has urged India to retain Jasprit Bumrah in their playing XI for the second test. The second test between England Cricket Team and Indian Cricket Team will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from July 2.

While other Indian bowlers struggled to deliver in the first test at Headingley, Bumrah was an exception. The right-arm pacer clinched a five-wicket haul in the first innings, helping India to demolish England’s top order. However, he went wicketless in the second innings as England batters faced him with caution during the 371-run chase.

Notably, some reports have claimed that Bumrah might be rested during the second test at Edgbaston to manage his workload. Ahead of India’s tour of England 2025, India head coach Gautam Gambhir and Indian selectors clarified that Bumrah will play in only three tests out of five matches during the series.

Ravi Shastri urges India to play Jasprit Bumrah in the second test

During a chat with The ICC review, cricketer-turned-commentator Shastri said that India need to bounce back in the second test. Shastri also suggested that India should pick Bumrah in the second test, as it is a very important game for India.

“The most important thing for India is to throw the counter punch almost immediately. When you lose a Test match like this where you have dominated most of it and then you lose it on the last day with a big chase and full marks to England for keeping their composure and doing that, it will need a lot of character to come to the fore and to bounce back in the series,” he said.

“Now, whether Bumrah plays or doesn’t play, one doesn’t know. But let’s hope he does because this is a very important Test match and all is not lost. It’s just you take it one game at a time. It’s a five-match series and India will be hoping to bounce back,” Shastri further added.

Notably, pacers Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep, who were not part of the first test, have been toiling hard in the training sessions ahead of the second test. As India’s bowling unit struggled to dominate the hosts in the first test, the visitors are likely to make some changes for the Edgbaston test.

Meanwhile, England have announced an unchanged playing XI for the second test. Pacer Jofra Archer was inducted into the squad for the second test, however, he has been rested for the match. The hosts lead the five-match series 1-0.

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