Bumrah's Birmingham Nets Session: Mystery Surrounds Availability as Kuldeep Yadav Shines

From the moment Jasprit Bumrah entered the Edgbaston Cricket Ground's net practice area, his focused intent was evident. After a brief walk, he grabbed a ball and, with his characteristic shoulder movement, positioned himself at his mark in the center net.

Jasprit Bumrah during the net session. (Pic credit: Sahil Malhotra/TimesofIndia.com)

He initiated his session with a few gentle deliveries, gradually increasing his pace as he warmed up for an intense spell of fast bowling. Once he felt sufficiently loose, the measuring tape was brought out to mark his run-up for a 20-minute burst at full speed. With several key batsmen like Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant absent from Saturday's net session, Bumrah bowled to players such as Sai Sudharsan, Ravindra Jadeja, and Karun Nair.

He consistently challenged the batsmen, testing their mettle with precision and keeping them alert with varying angles, bowling around the wicket to left-handers and utilizing the crease's width for right-handers. Beyond his technical skills, his mental freshness was striking. The three-day break from bowling clearly rejuvenated the 31-year-old, who bowled alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna.

The trio, who all participated in the Headingley Test, refrained from bowling during the team's initial practice session in Birmingham on Friday but trained purposefully on the second day. Each bowler bowled for about thirty minutes before practicing their batting in the nets.

Siraj focused on leaves, ducks, and forward defense with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, while Bumrah moved between nets to experience all available options. From side-arm deliveries to slow bowling and throwdowns, Bumrah remained intensely focused throughout his extended session. He also engaged in shadow practice while awaiting his turn to bat. Despite a shaky start in the farthest net, the right-hander gained confidence as he played more deliveries, appearing assured by the end of the long day.

Business as usual continued in the other nets as Ravindra Jadeja continued his batting practice, Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep continued to impress, and Kuldeep Yadav continued to develop both his batting and bowling skills. While Akash or Arshdeep's inclusion hinges on Bumrah's availability, Kuldeep is leaving no stone unturned in his preparation.

The left-arm wrist-spinner bowled, batted, and sought feedback from both the support staff and his teammates. He is open to experimenting with new angles and varying his lengths. Birmingham's dry weather conditions could prompt the Indian team management to consider him for the second Test next week. Physically, he appears to be in peak condition, and his bowling rhythm is evident from his net sessions, dating back to the pre-match sessions in Leeds before the series opener. He had an engaging contest with Gill on the eve of the first Test and continues to relish his battles with Indian batsmen in Birmingham.

Kuldeep Yadav honing his spin bowling skills.

Kuldeep is not just focusing on his bowling; he has also dedicated hours to refining his batting under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. For the past 18 months, Kuldeep has been diligently working to improve his batting and is eager to make significant contributions with the bat for the team.

After two days of training in the sun, the team will now take a break and reconvene on June 30. The bowlers can rest and recuperate, while bowling coach Morne Morkel can resume his playful wrestling sessions with Arshdeep and Akash Deep at the team hotel. As for Bumrah, the suspense surrounding his participation will persist, at least for the next 48 hours.