Rajiv’s report from Birmingham. After the defeat by five wickets in Leeds, the possibility of resting Jasprit Bumrah for the India vs England Edgbaston Test has shocked Indian cricket fans and the only question in everyone’s mind is that if not Bumrah, who is not? Mohammad Siraj, famous Krishna and Shardul Thakur performed well, but could not stop England in his irregular bowling leads. Bumrah was the only bowler to harass the England batsmen in the first innings. In the second innings, Bumrah did not get any wicket and India had to struggle.
Birmingham Another Maidan where England have chased a record run, Bumrah’s absence can prove to be a big chalan for India’s bowling. Although Bumrah is still not excluded from the India vs England Edgbaston Test, but the possibility is more. India has two fast bowlers in the form of Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh on the bench. India has options as Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar in the fast bowling department. Nitish Reddy is also an option if India wants a seam bowling all -rounder. However, Reddy is a batting all -rounder and may contribute to some overs. But Shubman Gill will not be able to trust him to bowl long spells.
Trouble for India due to lack of Bumrah
Edgbaston’s pitch is likely to be equal to the same as a headingley. Historically Edgbaston where India has never won. Dry heat is going on with less than normal rainfall in England, so the pitch is likely to be very dry and will help the batsmen. On such pitches, bowlers may have to struggle except the first two sessions of the Test match. In such a situation, if India is without Jaspreet Bumrah, it can be a difficult case for the bowling unit. Bumrah not only threw the wicket -taking balls, but he also stopped England. On the other hand, Siraj and the famous first innings were irregular. Bumrah’s strike rate was affected after going without wicket in the second innings, while his bowling average in Leeds was 28.00. Famous and Shardul bowled with 44.0 and 44.50.
Who is not Bumrah?
Now the question arises that who will replace Bumrah in the second Test? If the circumstances allow then India can go with Kuldeep Yadav. But there may be changes in the fast bowling department. One thing is clear that Captain Shubman Gill does not have much confidence in Shardul’s bowling capabilities as Shardul threw only 16 overs in the entire match. Left -arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, who is performing brilliantly in the red ball cricket, can give India an option. He has the skill of taking wickets and he can bowl with a new ball. They can swing the ball on both sides with a new ball, which will give India a cover for Bumrah. The second option can be Akash Deep. This fast bowler of Bengal has bowled impressively but has been unfortunate that he could not get wickets.
Three changes signs
India will be cautious about changes. Due to no significant power in batting in the lower order, India collapsed in both innings of Leeds Test. Bharat can include Nitish Reddy or Washington Sundar as a batting cover at number 8 in place of Kuldeep Yadav. Arshdeep Singh can make his Test debut as a cover of Bumrah. Famous and Siraj is likely to retain its place. If India takes a big step, then in place of Arshadeep and Shardul in place of famous, Reddy can be included.
Possible playing alevan KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudarshan/Abhimanyu Ishwar, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, famous Krishna, Siraj
