England have named one change in their playing XI for the upcoming fifth Test against India in Dharamsala from the side that lost the fourth Test in Ranchi.
The visitors have brought back the fiery Mark Wood, England’s fastest bowler, in place of Ollie Robinson, who put in a disappointing show in Ranchi with the ball and seemed not at full fitness.
For the 5th Test against India at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, Ben Stokes confirmed that he has got back Mark Wood, who was rested from the 4th Test, for this match. With cold conditions in Dharamsala, a surface favoring the pacers is expected. Last month in the Himachal Pradesh vs Delhi game in the Ranji Trophy at this venue, 36 wickets fell to seamers.
England’s spin attack is retained with Shoaib Bashir’s off-spin retained and Tom Hartley’s left-arm spin and Joe Root will continue to support with his handy off-spin.
Ben Stokes explains Mark Wood is perfect for Dharamsala conditions
On the eve of the match in Dharamsala, Ben Stokes spoke about the change in their side. Although Robinson scored 58 runs with the bat in Ranchi, he returned with figures of 0/54 in India’s first innings and didn’t bowl at all in the second innings as he was reportedly managing a back strain during the game.
Stokes said, “It looks like a wicket that could have a bit of pace and carry in it. Having a fresh Mark Wood on a wicket that you feel is going to offer some pace – it’s something that’s been consistent whenever we’ve gone with two seamers. Looking at having a bowler like Jimmy but wanting to have some pace and firepower to break the game open. With having two spinners, it allows us to play either conditions at different times throughout the Test.”
Meanwhile, 41-yer-old James Anderson will play his fourth consecutive game on the tour.
Stokes paid a tribe to Anderson, saying, “It’s phenomenal to think about, especially as a seam bowler,” said Stokes of the milestone. “An amazing career to date, and I can’t see him stopping.”
The Dharamsala game is the 100th Test match for Jonny Bairstow and R Ashwin.
