Jasprit Bumrah's Birmingham Nets Session: Enigma Persists as Kuldeep Yadav Fine-Tunes Skills for Second Test

Birmingham: From the moment he entered the Edgbaston Cricket Ground nets, Jasprit Bumrah exuded focus. A brief walk, followed by his signature shoulder rotation, and he was ready to bowl from his mark.

After a gentle warm-up, the intensity increased. The coaching staff measured his run-up for a full-throttle, 20-minute spell. With several key batsmen absent, Bumrah tested the likes of Sai Sudharsan, Ravindra Jadeja, and Karun Nair.

He challenged the batsmen with accuracy, varied angles, and lateral movement – over and around the wicket. Bumrah appeared fresh, a testament to the three-day break. He bowled alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, forming a potent pace attack.

The trio, who all played in the Headingley Test, had a purposeful second day after not bowling on Friday. Each bowler practiced for approximately thirty minutes before having extended batting practice in the nets.

Siraj concentrated on leaving, ducking, and playing forward defensive shots with assistance from batting coach Sitanshu Kotak, while Bumrah moved among the nets to experience a range of bowling styles. Bumrah maintained concentration throughout his extended session, which included side-armers, slow bowlers, and throwdowns. After a shaky start in the farthest net, the right-hander gained confidence and appeared composed before the long day was over.

Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja continued batting in the other nets, and Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep continued to make an impression. Kuldeep Yadav focused on both batting and bowling. While a spot for Akash or Arshdeep depends on Bumrah's availability, Kuldeep is working hard to prepare.

The left-arm wrist-spinner sought feedback from coaches and teammates alike. He experimented with angles and lengths, and the dry conditions in Birmingham could favor his inclusion in the second Test.

Kuldeep has also dedicated considerable time to improving his batting under the guidance of head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. Over the past 18 months, he has worked diligently to enhance his batting skills and contribute meaningfully with the bat.

After two days of intense practice, the team will take a break before regrouping on June 30. The bowlers will rest, and bowling coach Morne Morkel can continue his playful wrestling sessions with Arshdeep and Akash Deep. The suspense surrounding Bumrah's participation will linger for at least the next 48 hours.