Wed Jul 02 10:30:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
England won the toss and chose to field first in the second Test against India in Birmingham. India’s playing XI saw significant changes, most notably the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, who is being rested to manage his workload and is expected to play in the third Test at Lord’s. Akash Deep replaces Bumrah. Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy also join the lineup, replacing Shardul Thakur and Sai Sudarshan, respectively. The decision to exclude Kuldeep Yadav was made to strengthen the lower-order batting. England retained the same XI from their previous Test victory. India faces a tough challenge at Edgbaston, where they have a poor record.
**News Article:**
**India Rests Bumrah, Makes Multiple Changes for Second Test Against England**
Birmingham – In a surprising move, India captain Shubman Gill announced that Jasprit Bumrah would be rested for the crucial second Test against England at Edgbaston. England won the toss and opted to field first.
“We are managing Bumrah’s workload with the third match of the series being at Lord’s, there might be a chance that there may be a little bit more in that wicket compared to this one. So we thought, we’ll play him in the third one,” Gill said at the toss. Akash Deep will step in to replace the experienced pacer.
In addition to Bumrah’s absence, the Indian team sees the inclusion of Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy, replacing Shardul Thakur and Sai Sudarshan, respectively. Gill explained that the decision to leave out Kuldeep Yadav was strategic, aiming to bolster the team’s batting depth.
England, fresh off their record-breaking run chase in the first Test, have named an unchanged XI. India faces an uphill battle at Edgbaston, where they have a historically poor record, having lost seven of their eight Tests at the venue.
First Piper 