After a narrow five-wicket loss in the series opener at Headingley, the Shubman Gill-led 온라인카지노 team is regrouping ahead of the second Test India vs England Test match starting July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
With the series tilted 1-0 in England’s favour, India face a crucial challenge — both tactically and mentally — to level the series in what is shaping up to be a highly competitive Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Jofra Archer Returns To England Squad
In a major boost to England’s bowling arsenal, Jofra Archer has been added to the squad for the second Test. Archer, who last featured in a Test match in 2021 — coincidentally against India — makes a long-awaited return after battling a series of injuries, including a back stress fracture. Fresh from his red-ball comeback with Sussex, the pacer is set to unleash his pace and aggression on familiar home turf. His inclusion adds further sting to England's pace unit, which already troubled India at Headingley.
Bumrah Likely To Miss Second Test
India may have to contend with the absence of their premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, for the Edgbaston clash. While there has been no official confirmation, sources suggest he will sit out as part of workload management. Bumrah was instrumental in the first Test, taking a five-wicket haul in the first innings. Without him, the onus will fall on the likes of Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj — both of whom struggled to make an impact in the opening Test — to step up. Krishna's combined figures of 5/220 and Siraj’s 2/173 underline India's growing need for consistency in the pace department.
Rahane Urges Gill To Back Shardul
Former India vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has weighed in on Shardul Thakur’s underwhelming outing at Headingley. Scoring just five runs and bowling only 16 overs across both innings, Thakur was underutilised, prompting questions over Gill's trust in the all-rounder. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Rahane stressed the importance of giving Thakur more responsibility.
“I feel an all-rounder’s role is very important. Shardul has done well overseas in the past. He can swing the ball both ways and be a wicket-taker if used properly,” Rahane said, advocating for Thakur to be used as a first-change or even new-ball bowler. He also emphasised the need for India’s bowling unit — beyond Bumrah — to raise their performance.
Team India Train Behind Closed Doors In Birmingham
Determined to bounce back, Team India has begun preparations in Birmingham with a two-day closed-door training session at a local facility. The decision, reportedly taken due to operational and security concerns, ensures privacy and focus as the squad recalibrates its strategy.
Before hitting the nets, the players engaged in a team bonding activity at an adventure park — a morale-boosting exercise aimed at fostering unity and lifting spirits after the Leeds setback. With Edgbaston historically being a tough venue for India, Gill and his team will be looking to rewrite the narrative and secure their first win at the iconic ground.
