Team India captain Shubman Gill has confirmed that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is available for the second Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham, starting Wednesday, July 2 as well. However, he further added that a final call will be taken at the nets on Tuesday. Notably, India lost to England by five wickets in the first Test at Headingley in Leeds.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday, Gill commented, “Bumrah is surely available. We have to look into this workload management. We have to look into the final combination today at the nets.”

However, both the captain and coach Gautam Gambhir confirmed earlier that Bumrah will only play three Tests during the five-match series in England as well. Gill also admitted that India would surely miss their main pacer
in a couple of games but said that they have prepared accordingly.

READ HERE: Jasprit Bumrah Opens Up On Dropped Catches Against England

“We knew prior to the series that we would get Jasprit for three games, but we had that sorted beforehand. Yes, obviously we would miss him, but we have our plans sorted. It is difficult, but the players we have picked are the best in India. These are the best 15-16 players all over India. As I said, it’s difficult, but not an impossible task. There are other bowlers as well, who have performed well and that is why they are playing for the country. Because of our talent pool we are able to complete very well away from home,” Shubman Gill stated.

Meanwhile, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri is hopeful of Bumrah playing the second Test in Birmingham.

He told ICC: “Now, whether Bumrah plays or doesn’t play, one doesn’t know. But let’s hope he does because this is a very important Test match and all is not lost. You take it one game at a time. It’s a five-match series and India will be hoping to bounce back.”