India and England are set to clash in the fifth and concluding Test at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, with the match scheduled for March 7. India are leading the five-match Test series with a victory in three out of the four games. England kicked off the series with a resounding 28-run win over India in Hyderabad. However, Rohit Sharma's India made a strong comeback, securing wins in the next three matches with margins of 106 runs, 434 runs, and five wickets, respectively. Riding on a wave of success, the Indian team is eager to continue their winning streak. Positioned at the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 points table, a victory in Dharamsala would further consolidate their lead.
How would the Dharamsala pitch play in India vs England's 5th Test?
Despite expectations of conditions favoring England in Dharamsala, the visiting team might encounter unexpected challenges. A report by the Indian Express suggests a slow-turning pitch for the fifth Test, comparing the surface to 'a blank sheet of brown paper,' suggesting a potential curveball for the English squad. The advantage of slow-turning pitches has played a significant role in the host's comeback in the series, and they are poised to leverage this once again in Dharamsala. Having dominated the last two matches, the home team is aiming for another victory.
Bumrah boost for India in 5th Test, KL out
Meanwhile, KL Rahul will miss the fifth Test, as confirmed by the BCCI last week. The right-handed opener has been sidelined since sustaining a quadricep strain during the first Test in January and is currently in London seeking specialist advice. The BCCI also revealed that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah will rejoin the squad for the fifth Test after sitting out the fourth match.
Bumrah's return poses a selection dilemma for the team, especially in deciding who will be dropped to accommodate him. Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, who both played in the fourth Test, are contenders, but Siraj is expected to keep his spot. This leaves the team management with the tough decision of whether to drop Akash Deep after his commendable debut in the fourth Test.
India's squad for 5th Test against England
Rohit Sharma (C), Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep.
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