Jasprit Bumrah defended Mukesh Kumar's inclusion in India’s playing XI after the latter’s poor show on Day 2 of the second Test against England in Vizag.

Leading the Indian pace attack, Bumrah produced an incredible spell of reverse-swing bowling to return with the remarkable figures of 6/45 in 15.5 overs.

Thanks to his herculean effort, the hosts bundled out England for 253, taking a significant first-innings lead of 143 runs.

On the other hand, India’s second pacer in the XI, Mukesh Kumar, had a forgettable outing. Featuring in his third Test, Mukesh was taken to the cleaners by the English batters as he conceded 44 runs in his seven overs and failed to pick up a wicket.

After the day’s play, Bumrah came to the defence of Mukesh, saying that a bad performance can happen to anyone and added that the Indian team management has a lot of confidence in the latter’s abilities.

"That can happen to anyone (didn't have a good day). He has just started to play international cricket. He has started out on Test cricket. We have a lot of confidence in him. This is a long series. We have to rotate players. That is the mindset, I think, obviously, you have to learn by making mistakes. You get better by making mistakes," Bumrah said in the post-day presser.

He added, "I don't look at it as a bad day. Everybody makes mistakes. It's a learning day. Even I make mistakes. That is the conversation we will have. 'Okay, that day has passed, focus on what we can do better. Try and give your best'."

Bumrah also revealed that Mohammed Siraj wasn't picked for the Vizag Test as the team management is looking to preserve him for the long series.

"It’s a long Test series, it’s a five-Test series. That’s why I think we have the rotation theory," he remarked.