June 28, 2025 - After losing the first Test match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in Leeds, the Indian team has reached Birmingham, where the second Test will start from July 2. The Indian team has never won a match at the Edgbaston ground in Birmingham.

The team arrived for practice on Friday, June 27, but media access to the session was very limited. Akash Deep, who did not play in the first match, was seen having a long chat with head coach Gautam Gambhir during practice. Jasprit Bumrah came with the team but did not take part in the practice. He is likely to be rested for this match owing to workload management.

Three Changes Likely 

According to sources, the Indian team management may make three important changes for the second Test at Edgbaston. In the absence of Bumrah, Akash Deep is almost confirmed to be included in the playing XI. Shardul Thakur, who bowled only 16 overs in the last match and did not perform well with the bat, is likely to be dropped. In his place, all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy is expected to get a chance in the final XI.

Krishna May Be Rested, Arshdeep Could Debut

It is also believed that Prasidh Krishna may be given rest. Though he took five wickets in Leeds, he also gave away many runs, especially in the second innings where the English batsmen attacked him. If he is rested, Arshdeep Singh might get a chance to make his Test debut.

Only One Spinner in Playing XI

Sources say that India will go with just one spinner in this match. This means Kuldeep Yadav will likely be benched. Ravindra Jadeja is expected to retain his place because of his batting skills, even though he scored only 36 runs and took just one wicket in the Leeds Test.

Fast Bowlers Must Focus on Line and Length

Without Bumrah, it is very important for the rest of the bowlers to be consistent with their line and length. The importance of Bumrah was clearly seen between the 65th and 82nd overs of England’s second innings in Leeds. During this time, Bumrah did not bowl, and England’s score moved from 286/4 to 349/5 — adding 63 runs in 15 overs at more than four runs per over.

Bumrah's spell had ended with figures of 19-3-57-0. He was not called back, possibly because captain Shubman Gill was saving him for the second new ball. This was likely part of India’s workload management plan. But by the time the 80th over arrived, England was just 22 runs away from victory, and it was too late for Bumrah to turn things around.

India Must Adjust Without Bumrah

Now, with Bumrah ruled out of the second Test, the rest of India’s pace attack must step up. In the first Test, they did well only in patches. At Edgbaston, they will need to stay focused and maintain the right line and length throughout the innings.