Ind vs Eng 3rd Test: Jasprit Bumrah’s return on track with robust bowling stint at India nets

Jasprit Bumrah (Pic: AFP)

Jasprit Bumrah looked in prime rhythm as he geared up for the third Test at Lord's with an extended stint in the nets on Monday. India's premier fast bowler sent down deliveries for close to 45 minutes, gradually cranking up his intensity. He then shifted his attention to honing his batting, facing left-arm spin and throwdowns, underlining his desire to be prepared for every challenge the famed Lord's pitch might offer.

Bumrah's return was all but confirmed by captain Shubman Gill at Edgbaston, who had made it clear that the ace quick would be back after sitting out the second Test as part of workload management plans. In India's first practice session ahead of the third Test, Bumrah seemed relaxed and in good spirits, sharing light moments with his teammates and occasionally engaging with the travelling Indian media contingent.

With his inclusion almost certain, Prasidh Krishna is expected to make way for Bumrah in the playing eleven. Bumrah bowled at a lively pace, gradually moving towards full tilt, but if there was someone who pushed himself even harder, it was Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm seamer put in a tireless shift, running in for nearly an hour as he looked to polish his rhythm and control.

The pitch at Lord's is anticipated to provide a sterner examination for batters, raising intriguing selection questions. It remains to be seen if India will persist with the same combination that secured a commanding win at Edgbaston, where they fielded two spinners alongside three frontline pacers, with Nitish Reddy adding a fourth seam option.

Notably, several key players opted out of this training session. Among those who took a breather were Gill, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj. Having bowled the most overs among India's pacers across the first two Tests, Siraj's workload is being closely monitored. While Siraj's intensity on the field is never in doubt, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak stressed that each bowler's workload is assessed differently.

"The workload management is not only for Bumrah. Every bowler's fitness, every bowler's issues are different. But, I think, there is enough rest in between. After this match, there is a turnaround (long gap). But, Siraj is someone who bowls a lot. So, his workload management depends on how much load he is with red ball before coming into the series. So, obviously, the bowling coach and our SNC will keep a track on that," said Kotak.

Among the batters, Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan made the most of their time in the nets, spending long hours trying to find rhythm and confidence. Nair, yet to leave his mark in the series, seemed especially determined to put in the hard yards ahead of what promises to be another high-stakes encounter at the Home of Cricket.

(With PTI inputs)