The fifth and final Test of the thrilling IND vs. ENG series kicked off today at the picturesque Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala. With India already securing the series win 3-1, both teams are looking to end the tour on a high note.
England captain Ben Stokes elected to bat first, a decision validated by a solid opening partnership between Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett. Crawley, in particular, played some delightful shots, reaching his fifty off just 72 balls. However, the Indian bowling attack, led by the returning Jasprit Bumrah, found their rhythm as the session progressed.
Early Wickets for India
Kuldeep Yadav, the wily wrist-spinner, provided the breakthrough for India, dismissing Duckett for 27. The dismissal involved a well-judged catch by Shubman Gill at mid-wicket, showcasing India’s fielding prowess. Ollie Pope, the hero of the previous Test with a magnificent century, came in at number three, but he couldn’t replicate his form, becoming Kuldeep’s second victim just before the lunch break.
Despite the two wickets, England reached a respectable score of 100/2 at lunch, with Crawley carrying the team on his shoulders. He remained unbeaten on 72, showcasing his attacking intent while remaining watchful against the Indian spinners.
Focus on Spin
With the pitch expected to assist the spinners as the game progresses, the afternoon session will be crucial for both sides. India will be looking to exploit the conditions and take quick wickets, while England will aim to build a strong foundation through partnerships, particularly between Crawley and Joe Root, who will be crucial in the post-lunch session.
- Zak Crawley’s Form: Crawley’s knock has been the highlight of the morning session. His ability to score quickly and adapt to different bowling attacks will be key for England’s success in the second half of the day.
- India’s Spin Attack: With Kuldeep Yadav already taking two wickets, the onus will be on the likes of Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja to continue their good form and restrict the flow of runs.
- England’s Batting Depth: The absence of Jonny Bairstow due to a finger injury is a major blow for England’s batting depth. The likes of Ollie Pope and Joe Root will need to step up and contribute substantial scores.
India Looking to Seal the Series with a Win
While India has already secured the series, they will be determined to win the final Test and end the home season on a dominant note. The return of Jasprit Bumrah has bolstered their bowling attack, and the experience of their spin duo, Ashwin and Jadeja, will be invaluable on this pitch.
England, on the other hand, will be desperate to avoid a whitewash in the series. They will be hoping to put up a strong fight in the remaining days and salvage some pride. The afternoon session promises to be an exciting battle between bat and ball, with both teams looking to gain the upper hand in this high-octane encounter.
IND vs. ENG: Beyond the Pitch
IND vs. ENG Test match also marks a significant milestone for both teams. Jonny Bairstow was set to play his 100th Test match for England, but an unfortunate finger injury ruled him out. However, India’s Devdutt Padikkal will be making his Test debut, adding a touch of fresh excitement to the occasion.
As the sun sets over the majestic Dhauladhar range in Dharamshala, the stage is set for an enthralling afternoon session. The battle between IND vs. ENG is far from over, and the winner of this final Test match will be determined by the team that navigates the challenging conditions and executes their plans with greater precision. Stay tuned for further updates on this captivating IND vs. ENG encounter.