On Friday, the eagerly anticipated fifth Test between India and England will start (July 1). India currently has a 2-1 advantage over the team, and a victory in the Test series in England is at stake. However, the Ben Stokes-led squad is a different animal than 2021. Recently, they defeated New Zealand 3-0 and sent a sort of warning to India.
When these two teams last faced off in September 2021 for the fourth Test match, India battled back from a 99-run deficit to win easily by a huge 151 runs. The Indian team appeared poised to win the Test series in English conditions as they dominated England.
Since that Test, both teams’ captains have changed, and a lot has changed. With the help of Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, England was able to defeat New Zealand in a thrilling three-game series. India, on the other hand, has made a few adjustments to its batting lineup and is searching for the best starting lineup that could provide them with the balance and depth needed in this situation.
James Anderson and Stuart Broad have re-united as a team because they are missing many fast bowlers due to injury. Matty Potts and Jamie Overton, two newcomers who made a strong impression in their first series, will be vying for action in this match. Jack Leach enters this match having previously taken two 5-wicket hauls and one 10-wicket haul.
There are some conundrums in India’s batting lineup’s selection, and the visitors are further alarmed by Rohit Sharma’s availability after he tested positive for Covid-19. The XI will almost certainly feature Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Shreyas Iyer, with Cheteshwar Pujara likely to start at No. 3. If Rohit Sharma is unavailable, someone like Hanuma Vihari, Mayank Agarwal, or KS Bharat might take his place.
