India’s playing XI is undergoing significant changes for the upcoming second Test against England at Edgbaston, particularly in the pace department. Jasprit Bumrah, the team’s main fast bowler, is expected to be rested due to workload management practices, leading to the emergence of Akash Deep as a likely replacement.
Reports indicate that Akash Deep, a 28-year-old right-arm seamer, was notably active during the training session leading up to the match, which begins on July 2. He is anticipated to take Bumrah’s place in the lineup, alongside existing pacers Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, both of whom participated in the first Test. In contrast, left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh had less involvement in practice and may miss out on selection.
Despite Bumrah’s pivotal role in the first Test at Headingley, where he secured a five-wicket haul, head coach Gautam Gambhir remains firm on the strategy of limiting Bumrah to three Tests this series. Interestingly, there were reports of Bumrah practicing and marking his run-up, which adds an element of uncertainty to the final decision on the playing XI.
Akash Deep has previously participated in seven Tests, with his most recent performance being in the Boxing Day Test against Australia in December 2024, where he claimed 15 wickets overall. Meanwhile, Arshdeep, who is a standout in T20I cricket as India’s leading wicket-taker, is still awaiting his opportunity in Test matches.
The Indian team faces scrutiny regarding its bowling performance, particularly after their struggle in the first Test where they failed to dismiss all ten English batsmen during the second innings, enabling the hosts to achieve the second-highest successful run chase in Test history. The defeat marked a historic low for India, as they became the first team to lose a match despite having five players score centuries.
As the team prepares for the second Test, there is hope that the adjustments in the bowling lineup will enhance their performance and help reclaim victory. The emergence of young players like Akash Deep could provide fresh energy and dynamism to the attack, making for an exciting match.