Nowadays, any discussion of the current Test series in England must include Jasprit Bumrah. Offered just three out of five Tests? Of course, but should that have been disclosed to the public prior to the squad's announcement? The goal of workload management is to prevent his rebellious back and weak physique from succumbing? Naturally, since Bumrah is such a valuable asset, he requires more latitude than the others. However, is it set in stone? Hmm...

The past several days have been the same as when the Indians traveled to Birmingham from Leeds last Wednesday, and they are still perplexed as to how they could have lost a Test they had so much control over in so many different areas. Will Bumrah be playing at Edgbaston? Is this going to be the second of his three performances this summer? After bowling 43.4 overs across the two innings at Headingley, how much has he recovered from his efforts there, where the pleasure of five for 83 in the first innings was counteracted by none for 57 from 19 overs in the second, when his team was so reliant on its talisman to save the day?

India's first practice since Leeds took place on Friday, and Bumrah showed up, but like Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, he didn't bowl. Despite several of the top-order batsmen — captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant — taking the day off, he went all out on Saturday. On Monday morning, following a day of rest on Sunday, Bumrah accompanied the team to the field, where Siraj, Prasidh, and Akash Deep began the day at the 'fast bowlers' nets,' while Bumrah had a lengthy discussion with head coach Gautam Gambhir before heading towards the locker room.

He returned soon after, wearing his bowling shoes as a cloak, and released it, maintaining a fantastic tempo throughout a brief, upbeat burst. But hey, when has Jasprit Bumrah ever appeared out of sync?

There is no question that Jasprit Bumrah is available

What does India do with Bumrah now that the second Test begins on Wednesday? At first glance, it would seem obvious. India are 1-0 behind, they can't afford to fall 2-0 behind, it's been a week since the previous game, and Bumrah seems rejuvenated and reenergized. Give him the opportunity to vent his anger at the top order by unleashing him against England right away.

However, things aren't exactly simple. First of all, in recent years, Edgbaston has produced one flat pitch after another, which is practically necessary for Bazball to be successful. Furthermore, rain is expected at different points throughout the game, and if the forecast holds true, the chance of a tie increases. It is not possible, nor should one choose sides based on the weather forecast, but if India chooses to go that way, hoping to escape from here with a score of just 0–1 down and three games to play, with Bumrah available for two of them, the reasoning is clear, even if one disagrees with that strategy.

It appears that the Indian side's strategy in the second Test is to strive for a draw, which is a risky tactic, in order to keep themselves in the game for winning the series. What if Bumrah bowls a fair number of overs before the weather steps in? That is one school of thought. Given the short turnaround time between games, it is doubtful that Bumrah will be able to participate in two straight games when the third Test at Lord's starts the following Thursday (July 10). Given that some of the 12-millimeter coating of grass on the playing surface is likely to be shaved off closer to the start of play at Edgbaston, India would prefer to have a fully energized Bumrah chomping at the bit and ready to take a shot at England at Lord's.

Although there are questions regarding the kid-gloves approach towards Bumrah, it is important to remember that he is not simply the first among equals. From an objective standpoint, he is unmatched, not just in India but anywhere else in the world, so he merits the 'preferential treatment' that some have charged him with receiving. The difference between India with Bumrah and India without him as a threat is undeniable. Bumrah's availability to play in every game is what Gill and Gambhir would want. However, considering the medical advice and the urgent need to be cautious to avoid a recurrence of Sydney in January, when a stress reaction in his back kept him from bowling in Australia's second innings of the last Test, with the series still up for grabs, can Bumrah play in every Test? Another no-brainer, as we have previously stated in a different context.

Read Also: Shubman Gill Speaks Out on Jasprit Bumrah’s Chances for 2nd Test Against England: ‘He Is Surely Available, But…’

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