New Delhi : The final clash of the five-match Test series between India and England kicks off today, with Team India fighting to draw the series 2-2. The match, scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM IST, is being played under high anticipation as both sides enter with a point to prove.
In a major blow to the hosts, England will miss the services of skipper Ben Stokes and express pacer Jofra Archer. Stokes has been ruled out due to a shoulder muscle injury sustained while bowling in the previous two Tests.
Archer, returning to Test cricket after four years, has been rested following back-to-back appearances. Additionally, pacer Brydon Carse and left-arm spinner Liam Dawson have also been given a break.
With England’s key players sidelined, Shubman Gill’s men are expected to go full throttle. Gill, who is captaining the side in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah, has already impressed with both his leadership and batting prowess.
India is without pace spearhead Bumrah but hopes to make up with a spirited all-round performance.
Gill has been sensational this series, amassing 722 runs so far. He is just 52 runs shy of surpassing Sunil Gavaskar’s record for the most runs by an Indian in a single Test series.His explosive form could be the key to India’s resurgence in the final Test.
With the absence of specialist spinners, both teams are likely to reshuffle their playing XIs. India’s bowling combination may see a complete makeover to suit the conditions and exploit England’s batting weaknesses.
England leads the series 2-1 and will leave no stone unturned to seal it.
India must win to level the series 2-2, which would be a morale-boosting outcome under a new captain.
The last match at Old Trafford ended in a draw, keeping the series alive. Now, with everything on the line, the fifth and final Test promises high drama, intense cricket, and potentially, a new record-holder in Shubman Gill.
