After a stinging loss in the series opener at Headingley, Team India has begun gearing up for the crucial second Test against England. The game is scheduled to start on July 2 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
With England leading the five-match series 1-0, the pressure is mounting on Shubman Gill's side to bounce back.
Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
India's five-wicket defeat in Leeds exposed a few cracks in their bowling and fielding, despite an extraordinary batting performance that saw five centuries across two innings. Now, with a quick turnaround and an unfavourable Test record at Edgbaston, the visitors have their task cut out.
Team India begin preparations for ENG vs IND second Test at Edgbaston
India's squad hit the ground on Friday for their first net session in Birmingham. All players were present, including Bumrah.
More: WI vs AUS: Top 5 lowest totals defended in Tests at Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados
But he didn't take part in bowling or on-field work. Prasidh Krishna was also not seen bowling while the rest of the group went through a full session.
Mohammed Siraj focused on improving his batting while head coach Gautam Gambhir was spotted deep in discussion with pacers Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep. Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill spent time in the nets and the overall mood appeared light.
Edgbaston Test Prep: Team India Kicks Off Second Test Preparations.
— RevSportz Global (@RevSportzGlobal) June 27, 2025
Full Video: https://t.co/WeT0hByHPB@CricSubhayan & @amitshah22 report from the venue.@ThumsUpOfficial #TeamIndia #ENGvsIND #Cricket #Akashdeep #KuldeepYadav #WashingtonSundar pic.twitter.com/MueYZknqKu
The team had a bonding outing at an adventure park on Thursday before switching back to match prep on Friday.
Will Jasprit Bumrah play the second Test at Edgbaston?
Bumrah bowled 44 overs in the first Test and is expected to feature in only three matches this series as part of workload management. Head coach Gambhir has been firm that the scoreline won't influence the plan.
With just four days between the Edgbaston and Lord's Tests, signs point to a possible rest for Bumrah in the second game. However, a final call will depend on his fitness and recovery heading into next week.