Dharamsala bathed in pleasant sunshine as both India and England conducted their final training sessions ahead of the much-anticipated fifth and final Test of the series. Unlike the preceding days, the morning air carried a gentle warmth, and the absence of chilly winds and clouds suggested a favourable climate for the upcoming match.
Speculation about potential rain on the opening day had circulated, but the forecast appeared promising. Locals attributed this to the formation of a high-pressure zone near the Dhauladhar range, likely keeping rain clouds at bay on Thursday. While this was encouraging, weather predictions in hilly terrains often come with uncertainties.
Both teams seemed well aware of the expected conditions and had formulated their plans accordingly. England adhered to their strategy of two spinners and two seamers, while India kept their options open. When asked about the possibility of including an extra seamer, Indian captain Rohit Sharma remained discreet but hinted at a potential change.
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“Surely, why not? If we feel the weather is going to be like this, there’s a good chance. We’ve not yet completely decided on it, but there’s a good chance, definitely,” Rohit Sharma stated on the eve of the match.
Although the conditions favoured England’s accustomed style, the pitch maintained its typical Indian appearance. The brownish surface seemed flat from a distance, prompting Ben Stokes to label it as an absolute “belter.” Despite initial thoughts of playing three seamers and one spinner, Stokes, upon inspecting the pitch, opted for two seamers and two spinners.
Rohit Sharma says “there’s a good chance” of India playing an extra seamer in the Dharamsala Test.
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“Before we even got here, we were thinking of three seamers and one spinner. But turning up yesterday (Tuesday) and seeing the wicket and seeing it again today, going with two seamers and two spinners is probably the right call. We thought there would be a bit more grass on the wicket just because of where we are, but overall, the wicket looks like a belter,” said Be Stokes.
Having closely observed the pitch for two days, Rohit Sharma envisioned a typical Indian surface, offering assistance to both spinners and seamers at different stages of the game.
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“I expect it is going to be a typical Indian pitch or Indian condition kind of a Test match where there is some movement at the start of the innings and in the back end, it may slightly drop (bounce) and in the middle phase there will be some spin I guess. Or may not, I don’t know,” remarked Rohit Sharma.
The enticing conditions tempted the inclusion of an extra seamer, but the surface’s appearance suggested that maintaining the same bowling combination wouldn’t be a misguided choice for the hosts on this “typical Indian pitch.”
