The surprise guest at India's training session before the second Test against England at Edgbaston was left-arm spinner Harpreet Brar. Just days before the July 2 match, the Punjab Kings bowler, who shone in IPL 2025 as the club advanced to the season's championship game, was seen bowling to Indian batsmen in Birmingham. Although Brar is not a member of the official Test team, he was asked to serve as a guest net bowler at the request of India's captain, Shubman Gill.

The first Test of the series in Leeds saw India suffer a harsh loss to England. The team had another all-rounder in Washington Sundar and had two spinners in Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. Therefore, Gill's invitation to Brar may have been a strategic move to get the Indian batsmen practice against spinners.

The circumstances surrounding Brar's appearance were corroborated in a video posted by the BCCI. The 29-year-old disclosed in it that he had been living in Swindon, where his wife is from, when he received a message from Gill.

"I live in Swindon with my wife. Also, Birmingham is only an hour and a half away by car. I spoke with Shubman (Gill). Yesterday, I received a text from him, so I responded, "Okay, let's go practice here," said Brar.

Another sign of India's desire to improve their preparations before the crucial second Test was Jagjit Singh Sandhu, a Chandigarh-based pacer, who also practiced bowling in the nets along with Brar.

Under assault from a bowling attack

Following the Headingley loss, where England chased down 371 with five wickets remaining, India's bowling attack is in the news. Jasprit Bumrah seemed less of a danger in the second innings, despite taking a five-for in the first. The supporting pace attack was undisciplined, and Ravindra Jadeja, the lone frontline spinner, only picked up one wicket throughout the game.

The low returns have sparked talks about staff changes. Kuldeep Yadav may be thought to bring diversity and sharpness to the spin attack. The amount of physical activity Bumrah needs to maintain his health further complicates India's plans. The India captain is likely to be rested for one or more games during this series as part of his management plan, and Edgbaston may be among them.

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