IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Gill gives Bumrah update, to decide on spinner after seeing pitch; Stokes praises Pant

India captain Shubman Gill and England skipper Ben Stokes addressed the media ahead of the second Test at Edgbaston, which begins on Wednesday, 2 July. Gill said that India will take a final call on Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion after looking at the pitch one last time.

Gill on Bumrah and spinners

While Bumrah is available for selection, Gill mentioned that the team is trying to find the right balance between taking 20 wickets and scoring enough runs.

“We will take the Jasprit Bumrah call this evening. Jasprit Bumrah is available. We are trying to find the right combination which can pick 20 wickets and score runs as well. Will take final call after looking at the wicket for final time today," Gill said.

India are also thinking about which spinner to play in the second Test. Gill said the final decision will be made after a final look at the pitch. While Ravindra Jadeja’s spot is already confirmed, it is going to be a choice between Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar.

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“We will decide which spinner plays after looking at the pitch. We felt in Leeds that extra spinner will help contain the flow of runs, especially in the third or fourth innings,” Gill added.

Also Read: IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Reports hint at big all-rounder change as India brace for Bumrah-less Test

Stokes lauds Rishabh Pant

England captain Ben Stokes was direct when asked about Bumrah playing only three Tests in the series. “That is India’s problem to deal with,” he said.

Stokes also had words of praise for Rishabh Pant, calling him a dangerous player. “Even though he is in my opposition, I love watching him play. When you let a talent like him play freely, you see what happens,” Stokes said.

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Stokes also reflected on the team’s confidence after going 1-0 up in the series. “It was a good week last week. Hopefully we can do something similar this week,” he said. “We are confident in chasing totals in the fourth innings.”

On Jofra Archer’s return to the Test environment, Stokes said it’s great to have him around. “It’s been a long time, but it’s very important for Jof to be around the team. Hopefully, he will play a part in the series,” he added.