Arshdeep Singh, senior India player pulled aside by coaches during Birmingham training session

Team India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh is in contention for his Test debut if Jasprit Bumrah is unavailable for the second Test of the five-match series in England. According to a report by the Times of India on Friday, June 27, Arshdeep had a long training session during India's first practice in Birmingham.

Jasprit Bumrah is reportedly set to miss two of the matches. The Men in Blue will need to choose a new pace-bowling spearhead for the upcoming match against England. Notably, India have limited seam-bowling backup options in their squad, making it difficult to find replacements for Bumrah.

Arshdeep Singh Works Closely with Coach Morne Morkel Ahead of 2nd Test

According to the report, Arshdeep Singh, yet to make his Test debut, was seen training closely with bowling coach Morne Morkel. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna were present at the ground but did not participate in the training session.

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Bumrah has previously stated that he plans to play three Tests in the series and will decide on further participation based on how his body responds to the workload.

India trail 0-1 in the current series after losing the first Test in Leeds, where England chased down 371 runs with ease. Ben Duckett played a key role in that successful chase, while Bumrah went wicketless in the final innings.

Arshdeep Singh Missed Out on Playing XI for India’s Opening Test Against England

Arshdeep Singh was not included in India’s playing XI for the opening Test of the five-match series against England, despite receiving his maiden Test call-up for the tour. The 26-year-old left-arm pacer will have to wait for his debut for India in red-ball cricket.

Arshdeep has played 21 first-class matches, taking 66 wickets in 37 innings at an average of 30.37. He has played in T20Is and ODIs for India. The pacer made his T20I debut against England in July 2022 and his ODI debut against New Zealand in November 2022.

Arshdeep was last seen in action during the 2025 Indian Premier League, where he was the top wicket-taker for Punjab Kings. He took 21 wickets in 16 matches at an economy rate of 8.88.

Coaching Staff Working on Improving Mohammed Siraj’s Batting Ahead of 2nd Test

India are likely to change their playing XI for the second Test. The team could opt for two spinners to better suit the conditions if the pitch is similar to the dry and flat surface in Headingley.

While Arshdeep Singh's training drew attention, the coaching staff also focused on improving Mohammed Siraj’s batting. Batting coach Sitanshu Kotak worked extensively with the fast bowler to fine-tune his technique. India's lower order struggled in both innings of the first Test.

England captain Ben Stokes stated that dismissing India’s tail cheaply was crucial in their win. With another flat pitch expected at Edgbaston, India will be hoping for more resistance from their tailenders in the second Test.

Also read: Watch: Pigeon bizarrely stops play before Australia demolish West Indies in 1st Test