🌟 Why Jasprit Bumrah Missed the 2nd Test vs England 2025: Explained! 🏏
Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace sensation and the No.1 ranked Test bowler in the world, was missing from the playing XI for the 2nd Test vs England at Edgbaston in July 2025. With India trailing 0-1 in the series, his absence surprised fans, experts, and former cricketers alike. So, what really happened?
In this blog, we break down the reasons behind Bumrah’s exclusion—covering injury concerns, workload management, pitch conditions, and team strategy—and why this might be a long-term masterstroke by the Indian think tank. 🎯
🗓️ Background: India’s England Tour & WTC 2025–2027
India, under the leadership of Shubman Gill, is playing a 5-match Test series in England as part of the World Test Championship 2025–2027. The first Test ended in a heartbreaking defeat at Headingley, despite Bumrah’s superb 5-wicket haul.
With India needing a win in the 2nd Test, fans were shocked when Bumrah wasn’t named in the squad.
⚠️ 1. Workload Management: Bumrah’s Body Needs a Break 🛑
📌 Why was Bumrah rested?
- Bumrah has bowled 410.4 overs in Test cricket since 2024—the highest among all fast bowlers globally. 😮
- His unique, high-impact bowling action puts serious strain on his back and knees.
- In the 1st Test, he bowled 43.4 overs—almost half of India’s pace workload.
👉 The BCCI and team management had a pre-decided plan to play Bumrah in only three out of five Tests during the series to preserve his fitness for key matches.
🩺 2. Injury History: Playing Smart After Scary Setbacks 🚑
Bumrah suffered a stress reaction in his back in January 2025 during the Australia series. That injury kept him out of the Champions Trophy and early matches of the IPL 2025.
🧠 Expert Insight:
Former pacer Shane Bond warned that another injury could be career-threatening. Given Bumrah’s heavy recent workload and the short gap between Tests, rest was considered essential.
👨⚕️ The BCCI’s medical staff and selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, took a cautious route, ensuring that Bumrah doesn’t overexert himself too early in the series.
🧠 3. Strategic Rotation: Strengthening the Bowling Line-Up 🔄
Without Bumrah, India’s pace attack was exposed in the 1st Test. But with a long series ahead, the team looked to balance the side.
🔍 Probable Replacements:
- Arshdeep Singh – Left-arm swing, T20 experience 🌪️
- Akash Deep – Steady, accurate, red-ball specialist 🎯
- Nitish Reddy – Seam-bowling all-rounder 🛡️
- Washington Sundar – Spin-bowling all-rounder 🌱
India also aimed to strengthen their lower-order batting, which collapsed in Leeds. Including all-rounders added more depth.
ALSO READ = Ind vs Eng 2nd Test 2025 Detailed analysis
🏟️ 4. Edgbaston Conditions: Batting-Friendly Surface 🔍
Reports suggested that the Edgbaston pitch would be dry, flat, and good for batting. Given that and the fact that the 3rd Test starts just three days later (July 10 at Lord’s), the team decided:
🧮 “Why risk Bumrah now when we need him fresh at Lord’s, where the ball swings more?”
It was a tactical call based on surface conditions and Bumrah’s effectiveness at seam-friendly venues.
🗣️ 5. Reactions: Divided Opinions Among Fans & Experts 🔥
👎 Critics Say:
- Former coach Ravi Shastri and selector MSK Prasad believe India couldn’t afford to rest Bumrah when they’re behind in the series.
- Many fans on Twitter/X felt India’s best bowler should always play unless injured.
👍 Supporters Say:
- Others applauded the decision, saying it’s better to rest Bumrah than risk losing him for the entire series.
- One fan posted: “You don’t want to break him chasing one win when the war is longer.”
📊 Jasprit Bumrah vs Other Fast Bowlers: Workload Comparison (2024–2025)
| 🧑🎓 Bowler | 🌍 Country | 🏏 Est. Overs (2024–25) | 📌 Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | India | 410.4 | Most overs among all pacers |
| Pat Cummins | Australia | ~300+ | Captain + heavy rotation |
| Mitchell Starc | Australia | ~300–320 | Key player in major series |
| Kagiso Rabada | South Africa | ~250–270 | Lighter Test schedule |
| James Anderson | England | <250 | Retired in 2025, limited matches |
✅ Bumrah’s numbers prove why workload management was crucial. No other bowler has been used more heavily in recent Tests.
🎯 Final Thoughts: A Wise Long-Term Move?
Resting Jasprit Bumrah in the second Test might feel like a risky call today, but it could turn out to be a brilliant long-term decision.
If India bounces back in the third Test and Bumrah leads from the front, this strategy will be hailed as smart planning over panic.
🏁 In Summary:
- Bumrah missed the 2nd Test due to workload management and injury risk.
- He has bowled 410+ overs since 2024—more than any pacer worldwide.
- Experts are divided, but most agree: protecting Bumrah = protecting India’s bowling future.
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