Harbhajan bowled only 13.4 overs at Trent Bridge and his absence during England's second innings increased the workload of India's seam attack. He's also been in poor form, taking 1 for 69 in the second Test after conceding 1 for 218 in the first at Lord's. Harbhajan's absence will give the legspinner Amit Mishra an opportunity in Birmingham, unless India decide to play a four-seamer attack, if Zaheer Khan is fit.
India have plenty of other fitness concerns as well. Yuvraj Singh, who played at Trent Bridge because of the elbow injury to Gautam Gambhir, got hit on his left hand in the final innings by a short ball from Tim Bresnan. He was expected to consult a specialist in London about his injury. India are also waiting to see what sort of fitness and form Virender Sehwag is in. Sehwag missed the first two Tests because he was recovering from shoulder surgery and is expected to join the team this week and play the tour game in Northamptonshire.
It is not yet clear whether Zaheer, who pulled up during the Lord's Test with a hamstring injury after bowling only 13.3 overs and missed Trent Bridge, will be fit to play at Edgbaston. Gambhir, however, is expected to return to the top of the order.
