As the riveting India vs England Test series reaches its climax, all eyes turn to the picturesque setting of the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala for the fifth and final encounter. With India staging a remarkable comeback after trailing 0-1 in the series, the anticipation for this ultimate showdown is palpable.
Having secured victories in the last 3 Tests, Team India finds itself in a formidable position, leading 3-1, aiming to seal the series with yet another commanding performance and bettering their position in the WTC points table. As history suggests, when India chases a target under 200 at home, their record speaks volumes, with a staggering 30 wins out of 33 instances, leaving no room for doubt about their prowess in such situations.
On the other hand, England, under the leadership of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, faces the harsh reality of their first series defeat under this new regime, coupled with the unprecedented setback of 3 consecutive Test losses.
Bumrah's lethal pace, accuracy, and the conducive conditions in Dharamsala make him a prime candidate to take over 4.5 wickets.
The betting tip is...
Jasprit Bumrah to take over 4.5 wickets.
Team India is set to welcome back the fiery pace of Jasprit Bumrah, who was strategically rested for the fourth Test to manage his workload. Bumrah's return promises to bolster India's formidable bowling attack and add an extra edge to their quest for series dominance.
However, India faces a dilemma with KL Rahul's fitness hanging in the balance. While he missed the fourth Test due to injury, his availability for the Dharamsala showdown hinges on his recovery. Should Rahul be fit to play, he is likely to slot back into the lineup, potentially displacing Rajat Patidar after his underwhelming performance in the previous match.
Meanwhile, Mukesh Kumar rejoined the squad following his release for the third Test, while Akash Deep earned his maiden Test cap in Ranchi. Dhruv Jurel's stellar all-round display in the fourth Test, earning him the player of the match accolade, solidifies his position as a vital asset to the team.
Jasprit Bumrah will return to the lineup.
Predicted Lineup: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul/Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (wk), R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj
As England prepares for the final Test against India, they face adjustments in their lineup due to various factors. Rehan Ahmed's departure from the tour for personal reasons has led to a reshuffling of resources, necessitating decisions in the bowling department.
In terms of bowling strategy, England's spinners have outperformed their seamers, indicating a likely emphasis on spin options such as Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley for the final match. Rotation among the seamers might also be considered to keep the attack fresh and adaptive to the conditions.
Joe Root's return to form, exemplified by his century in the previous innings, provides a significant boost to England's batting arsenal. However, the team will look for more substantial contributions from players like Jonny Bairstow, who has shown promise but struggled to convert his decent starts into big scores.
Rehan Ahmed is out of the tour
Predicted Lineup: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Tom Hartley, Ollie Robinson/Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson/Mark Wood
India is likely to maintain their dominance and clinch a victory in the final Test. With the momentum firmly on their side and a stellar record of chasing small targets at home, India holds a significant advantage.
Pace could tilt the scales in any teamβs favour in the match, especially considering the venueβs conditions.
Expect an intense battle between the bowlers, but India is likely to emerge triumphant in the picturesque setting of Dharamsala.