Indian captain Shubman Gill has revealed that the team’s pack leader Jasprit Bumrah is available for selection for the second Test match against England. Bumrah was the pick of the Indian bowlers in the first innings of the opening Test as he returned with impressive figures of 5-83.

The gun fast bowler’s workload has to be managed with guile by the team’s think tank after he suffered a back injury in Australia and thus there are questions over his participation for the second Test. Furthermore, it has been already decided that Bumrah would play only three out of the five Test matches against England.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Shubman Gill said, “Bumrah is surely available. We have to look into this workload management. We have to look into the final combination today at the nets.”

Gill backed other fast bowlers to step up if Bumrah is not included in the playing XI for the second Test.

“We knew prior to the series that we would get Jasprit for three games, but we had that sorted beforehand. Yes, obviously we would miss him, but we have our plans sorted,” he stated.

“It is difficult, but the players we have picked are the best in India. These are the best 15-16 players all over India. As I said, it’s difficult, but not an impossible task. There are other bowlers as well, who have performed well and that is why they are playing for the country. Because of our talent pool we are able to complete very well away from home,” Gill went on to add.

On the other hand, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri is hopeful that Bumrah will play the second Test against England.

Shastri told ICC, “Now, whether Bumrah plays or doesn’t play, one doesn’t know. But let’s hope he does because this is a very important Test match and all is not lost. You take it one game at a time. It’s a five-match series and India will be hoping to bounce back.”

The second Test match between India and England will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from July 2nd onwards.