With Jasprit Bumrah likely to miss the second Test against England at Edgbaston, starting on July 2nd, the Indian team faces a significant selection dilemma. Bumrah, the spearhead of the pace attack and currently ranked as the top Test bowler, is expected to be rested as part of workload management. This absence creates a void in the bowling lineup, leaving the team management to choose between Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep as his replacement.

The decision isn't straightforward, as both bowlers offer distinct qualities. Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm seamer, brings a unique angle to the Indian pace attack, something that has been missing for quite some time. His ability to swing the ball late could pose a significant challenge to the English batsmen, especially with potentially overcast conditions at Edgbaston favoring swing bowling. The 26-year-old is yet to make his Test debut.

Akash Deep, on the other hand, is a right-arm medium-fast bowler who has already featured in seven Tests for India, taking 15 wickets. Akash Deep's repeatable skillset offers India an immediate solution with the Dukes ball. He can generate movement off the length that can keep the English top-order guessing. The 28-year-old is also comfortable with the wobble seam.

Several factors will likely weigh into the final decision. One crucial aspect is the composition of the rest of the bowling attack. Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the pace charge in Bumrah's absence, and Prasidh Krishna is likely to retain his place despite being expensive in the first Test due to limited experienced alternatives. This means the choice between Arshdeep and Akash Deep could come down to who best complements Siraj and Krishna. The team might also consider replacing Shardul Thakur with Kuldeep Yadav to add a genuine spin threat and vary the attack.

Gautam Gambhir, India's head coach, was seen having animated conversations with both Arshdeep and Akash Deep during a recent practice session, hinting at the possibility of changes to the playing combination. The weather conditions at Edgbaston will also play a crucial role. If the forecast predicts overcast skies and swing-friendly conditions, Arshdeep's chances of making his Test debut could increase. However, if the pitch is expected to be drier and offer more bounce, Akash Deep's experience and ability to generate pace might give him the edge.

Ultimately, the decision of who replaces Jasprit Bumrah will depend on a combination of factors, including team composition, weather conditions, and the perceived strengths of each bowler. Both Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep are capable bowlers, and whoever gets the nod will have a golden opportunity to make a mark in the second Test at Edgbaston.