England's captain, Ben Stokes, has addressed concerns about facing India's pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, ahead of the second Test match. Stokes made it clear that his team does not fear Bumrah and that winning the series will require a collective effort from the entire team, not just focusing on one bowler.

Stokes acknowledged Bumrah's class and the threat he poses but dismissed any notion of "fear". He emphasized that in international cricket, teams constantly face quality opposition, and England respects their rivals but doesn't fear them. "No fear," Stokes stated, highlighting that one bowler alone cannot win a series for either team. He stressed that all 11 players need to contribute to achieve success.

These comments came before the first Test of the five-match series, where India is already without key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. This puts additional pressure on Bumrah to lead the inexperienced pace attack. Despite this, Stokes maintains that England isn't intimidated.

Bumrah's record against England is impressive, with 60 wickets in 14 games. In English conditions, he has taken 37 wickets in nine Tests, averaging 26.27. He has also troubled Stokes in the past, dismissing him with exceptional deliveries.

However, Bumrah's availability for the entire series is uncertain due to workload management and injury concerns. He mentioned he was initially looking at playing only three Test matches, with his participation in the remaining games depending on his workload and the match situations. India's assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, confirmed that Bumrah is available for the second Test but that a final decision on his inclusion will be made based on the team's requirements and the pitch conditions. Ten Doeschate also highlighted that India is aware that they can't win a Test series relying on just one bowler and that the entire bowling unit needs to contribute.

Ahead of the second Test, the Indian team was seen practicing with red and white balls, a method used to move away from the habits of white-ball cricket. Jasprit Bumrah and other members of the pace attack were observed using these balls during a practice session.

The second Test match is scheduled to begin on July 2nd at Edgbaston. While Bumrah's presence undoubtedly adds potency to the Indian bowling attack, Ben Stokes' comments suggest that England is prepared to face the challenge without any apprehension. England beat India in the first Test by 5 wickets.