India have decided to maintain secrecy over whether they plan to play Jasprit Bumrah in the second Test against England that starts from today in Birmingham. India suffered a five-wicket defeat in the first Test and trail 0-1 in the five-match series. Captain Shubman Gill says the senior pacer is available for selection and a call on his inclusion will be taken at the last minute. Bumrah is expected to play in only three Tests during the ongoing England tour as part of his workload management and to avoid the injury setback the fast bowler suffered during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy that pushed him out of action for nearly two months. Former England batter Ian Bell says he would be surprised if Bumrah’s participation is limited to just three games. “I’d be amazed if he (Bumrah) only plays three Tests this summer. He’s the best fast bowler in the world, and if he doesn’t play, England will be very, very happy,” Bell told PTI Videos. “Of course, you want to protect him (Bumrah), but if the series is on the line and he’s fit, he has to play,” he added. India are also deciding on whether to play two spinners in Birmingham. Ravindra Jadeja was the lone spinner in the first Test. Bell, who scored over 7,700 runs from 118 Tests during his international career, thinks spin could play a role as the match progresses. “It (wicket) won’t turn early, but by day four or five, it could take spin,” Bell said. “Kuldeep (Yadav) is bowling beautifully. Someone who can spin it both ways is always a threat – especially to England’s lower order.” ‘Pant is one of my favourite cricketers’ Bell praised Rishabh Pant who scored two centuries in the match. “He’s certainly one of my favourite cricketers to watch,” Bell said. “When he comes out to bat, you want to tune in. Anything’s possible. He plays amazing shots, and even as an Englishman, you enjoy watching him though you’re desperate to get him out,” he added. The 43-year-old Bell said Gill was mature and calm in what was his first Test as India captain. “Captaining India is not just an honour – it carries enormous weight, especially in a Test series in England. But I thought Shubman was outstanding. That hundred wasn’t just about runs; it was about setting the tone. It showed maturity, calmness under pressure, and real leadership. For a young captain, that kind of innings goes a long way in earning trust and settling the dressing room,” he said. Bell predicts England to win the series. “I think England will win the series. India will win two games, but I see it ending 3-2 in England’s favour. Both sides have fearless, young cricketers, so it’ll be a thrilling ride,” he said.