The fifth and final Test match between India and England is set to commence in Dharamsala on March 7 at 9:30 am IST. India has already secured the series with three consecutive victories in the last three Test matches, leading 3-1 and aiming for a 4-1 finish. After a shaky start with England winning the first Test in Hyderabad, India bounced back emphatically in the subsequent matches, clinching victories in Vizag, Rajkot, and Ranchi. Their dominant performance has solidified their position in the series.

As the teams gear up for the final Test, two players are on the brink of significant milestones. Both Ravichandran Ashwin and Jonny Bairstow are poised to play their 100th Test matches, adding an extra layer of significance to the Dharamsala encounter.

Jasprit Bumrah is set to make a comeback into the Indian playing XI for the fifth Test, strengthening the team’s pace attack. The batting lineup is expected to remain unchanged, with Dhruv Jurel retaining his position as the specialist wicketkeeper. However, the selection dilemma revolves around Rajat Patidar’s form and whether he will get another chance after a lean patch since his debut Test innings in Vizag.

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With reports suggesting a spin-friendly pitch, India might opt for their tried-and-tested three-spinner strategy, including Akash Deep after his impressive debut. On the other hand, England faces a selection dilemma with Ollie Robinson, and there are suggestions to replace him with Gus Atkinson, who is also part of the squad.

Joe Root’s century in the previous Test marked a notable performance, and England will be eager to finish the series with a win in Dharamsala, shedding the “Bazball” approach for a more conventional style of play. The upcoming Test promises intrigue with both teams making strategic decisions to secure a positive result in the final encounter.

India

Rajat Patidar’s extensive net sessions and the endorsement from Rohit Sharma hint at his retention in the playing XI for the final Test. The captain’s support adds weight to Patidar’s chances of securing his spot in the team. On the other hand, the return of Jasprit Bumrah might lead to Kuldeep Yadav making way, especially if the team anticipates the persisting chilly weather conditions.

Rohit Sharma expressed, “If we feel the weather is going to be like this, there’s a good chance,” addressing the potential inclusion of three fast bowlers.

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

As for England, they maintain their two-pace-two-spin combination, introducing Mark Wood in place of Ollie Robinson. Ben Stokes sees the advantage of having a fresh Mark Wood in these conditions, while also revealing that Robinson and Shoaib Bashir are dealing with an upset stomach. The English team is adjusting its lineup, considering the conditions and seeking the best combination for the final match.

Playing 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

Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:

Dhruv Jurel, Jonny Bairstow, Yashasvi Jaiswal (c), Zak Crawley, Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Joe Root, Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Mark Wood, Kuldeep Yadav

Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:

Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes, Dhruv Jurel, Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ravichandran Ashwin, Joe Root (vc), Ravindra Jadeja (c), Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, James Anderson