NEW DELHI: As the sun sets on what has been a captivating Test series between India and England, the picturesque town of Dharamsala is set to host the fifth and final match, marking a historic occasion for two stalwarts of the game – Ravichandran Ashwin and Jonny Bairstow.
With India already securing an unassailable 3-1 lead, the focus now shifts to Ashwin’s monumental 100th Test appearance and Bairstow’s significant milestone, amidst discussions surrounding the pitch conditions and player strategies.
India’s dominance in the series has been commendable, with the team showcasing their prowess both with bat and ball. As they look to extend their lead in the World Test Championships standings, the role of experienced campaigners like Ashwin becomes pivotal. The off-spinner, who boasts an impressive tally of 507 Test wickets, stands on the cusp of joining an elite club, with only Anil Kumble ahead of him in the Indian bowling ranks.
Bairstow, on the other hand, will be hoping to make his 100th Test outing a memorable one, despite England’s series loss. With the support of his teammates and the backing of passionate English fans who have made their presence felt in Dharamsala, the right-hander aims to rediscover his form and leave a lasting impact on the series finale.

Discussions surrounding the playing conditions have taken center stage, with the chilly weather and pitch conditions under scrutiny. While the maximum temperature is expected to hover around 10 degrees Celsius, the moisture seeping underneath the pitch promises to keep the pacers interested, particularly in the early hours of play.
Traditionally favoring fast bowlers, the venue’s pitch has witnessed notable contributions from spinners in the past, adding an intriguing dimension to the game. Both Ashwin and Bairstow have offered contrasting views on the surface, reflecting the uncertainties posed by the unfamiliar playing conditions.
As India deliberates on their bowling combination, with Jasprit Bumrah set to bolster the pace attack alongside Mohammed Siraj, the spotlight also falls on batters like Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan, who are eager to make their mark in the final encounter.
Meanwhile, the likes of Devdutt Padikkal present viable options for the middle-order, aiming to capitalize on the opportunity to leave a lasting impression.
Despite the series loss, England remain determined to end the tour on a high note, with skipper Ben Stokes emphasizing the team’s unwavering commitment to each opportunity to represent their country.
With the potential inclusion of uncapped Gus Atkinson and the return of seasoned campaigners like James Anderson and Mark Wood, England aim to field a formidable lineup, poised to challenge the Indian side in their quest for victory.

Squads:
India: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.
England: Ben Stokes (C), James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Shoaib Bashir, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ben Foakes (Wk), Dan Lawrence, Tom Hartley, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Mark Wood.
Match starts at 9.30 am IST.

(With inputs from PTI)