Bumrah`s Role Crucial as India Eyes Edgbaston Glory

Bumrah`s inclusion is pivotal as India chases its first Test win at Edgbaston against England.

As anticipation builds for the second Test between England and India at Edgbaston, former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced his support for Jasprit Bumrah`s inclusion in the lineup. Despite facing scrutiny over his unconventional batting positions—1, 3, and 5—Manjrekar believes Bumrah`s bowling prowess is indispensable. He also emphasized the strategic decision to replace Shardul Thakur with Nitish Reddy, who shone in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy with 298 runs at an average of 37.25 and five wickets across five matches. In stark contrast, Thakur managed a mere two wickets in the series opener against England in Leeds.

Adding to the excitement, former opener Navjot Singh Sidhu lauded the Indian team`s indomitable spirit and highlighted Bumrah`s remarkable statistics. Since 2024, Bumrah has bowled 440.2 overs, claiming 32 wickets in the last BGT at an astonishing average of 13, amassing a total of 150 wickets in SENA countries, surpassing the legendary Wasim Akram.

Meanwhile, England has announced an unchanged playing XI for the crucial Test, with frontline pacers Woakes, Carse, and Tongue set to spearhead the attack in the absence of Jofra Archer due to a family emergency. India is on a quest for its first-ever Test victory at Edgbaston, having faced defeat in seven previous encounters. Additionally, Yashasvi Jaiswal will continue his journey with Mumbai in the 2025-26 domestic season following the acceptance of his No Objection Certificate withdrawal request. For more updates, visit cricket and cricket news.

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