In a grueling five-Test series that began on the opposite end of the country back in late January, England’s journey through India has been a rollercoaster of emotions. Led by Ben Stokes, they arrived with a young and inexperienced squad, facing contrasting expectations and the unwelcome tag of Bazball, a moniker they despise. Despite their fearless approach to Test cricket, honed during their successful tour of Pakistan in late 2022, facing the daunting challenges of playing in India was a true test of their mettle.
On the other side, Indian captain Rohit Sharma reflected on a series marked by comebacks since losing the Hyderabad Test. While India has seen success, England’s trajectory has been more tumultuous.
As the series enters its final leg, England finds itself with a glimmer of hope amidst moments of despair. With the chance to respectfully bow out with a 3-2 scoreline, they aim to achieve a feat unmatched since Alastair Cook’s squad in 2012 – winning more than one Test in India in a single series.
Outfield and Pitch Conditions:
Dharamsala’s HPCA Stadium, once criticized for its subpar outfield during last year’s World Cup, has undergone significant improvements. The lush and even outfield now provides a conducive environment for fielding, a sentiment echoed by England’s Jonny Bairstow.
Meanwhile, the pitch bears a wheatish, barren appearance. Previously hosting a Ranji Trophy fixture between Himachal Pradesh and Delhi, the surface saw both teams scoring freely, with pacers enjoying success.
Team News:
India’s Rajat Patidar, backed by captain Rohit Sharma, is likely to retain his spot after extensive net sessions. However, Kuldeep Yadav may make way for the returning Jasprit Bumrah if the chilly weather persists, as indicated by Sharma.
England, opting for a two-pace, two-spin combination, have brought in Mark Wood for Ollie Robinson. Stokes believes Wood’s freshness will be advantageous, especially in conditions like those in Dharamsala, where Robinson and Shoaib Bashir are sidelined with an upset stomach.
India Probable XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj
England Confirmed XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Tom Hartley, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson, Mark Wood
Where can we watch the live broadcast of the India vs England 5th Test match on television in India?
As for live coverage, Sports18 will broadcast the match on television in India, while Jio Cinema will provide live streaming options.
With the series hanging in the balance, both teams are poised for a gripping conclusion. Can England defy the odds and secure a historic series win in India, or will India’s home advantage prove insurmountable? Cricket fans around the world eagerly await the outcome of this fiercely contested battle on the subcontinent.