England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have announced their playing XI for the final Test in the ongoing five-match series against India.
England has opted to stick with their seam-bowling lineup for the fifth Test against India in Dharamsala, making a solitary change from the XI that faced defeat in Ranchi last month. Mark Wood will replace Ollie Robinson, despite speculations about reinforcing the pace attack to tackle the expected cold conditions and seam-friendly pitch. The decision underscores England’s confidence in their current bowling resources, undeterred by the challenging conditions in Dharamsala.
Amidst discussions about the playing surface, which saw all 36 wickets falling to seamers in a recent Ranji Trophy match between Himachal Pradesh and Delhi, England remains steadfast in their chosen composition. The England selectors have opted for Mark Wood in place of Ollie Robinson, while the team management has decided to persist with James Anderson, who is on the brink of reaching the milestone of 700 Test wickets, needing just two more.
In the previous Ranchi Test, Ollie Robinson struggled to make an impact with the ball, remaining wicketless in India’s first innings and not bowling in the second innings. However, he made a valuable contribution with the bat, scoring 58 runs and forming a crucial partnership with Joe Root in England’s first innings.
The lack of an additional seamer hints at the possible comeback of England’s captain, Ben Stokes. He’s been gradually increasing his net sessions during the tour after undergoing knee surgery in the winter. Robinson not being included indicates England’s strategic adjustments as they aim to find a better balance and effectiveness in their bowling attack.
England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, James Anderson, and Shoaib Bashir
The upcoming fifth Test match between India and England is scheduled to take place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, commencing on Thursday, March 7. Led by Ben Stokes, the England team aims to conclude the series on a positive note, striving for a victory, even though India has already secured the series win.
