Cricket

England, under the leadership of Ben Stokes, will face India in the fifth and final Test match of the series in Dharamsala. Despite losing the series, England aims to salvage some pride and become the first team since 2012 to win two matches in a series against India.The match holds significance beyond the result, as the touring party will meet the Dalai Lama on Wednesday. Stokes emphasizes the importance of winning the match, despite the series being lost. He believes that complacency is not an option and that the team needs to improve its performance under pressure.England is considering fielding a three-pronged seam attack for the first time on this tour. Mark Wood could return to the side, while Ollie Robinson may retain his place despite a disappointing performance in the previous Test. Shoaib Bashir is likely to make way for the extra pace option.Stokes praises Jonny Bairstow, who is set to earn his 100th cap for England. He acknowledges the emotional significance of the milestone for Bairstow and his family.Despite the lack of series implications, Stokes stresses the importance of approaching the match with the same intensity as previous games. He warns against complacency and emphasizes that every opportunity to play for England is special.

The picturesque town of Dharamsala is set to witness a surge in English fan support as the fifth and final Test of the India-England series approaches. Despite the disappointing results for England, the Barmy Army has remained steadfast in their support, and the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas has attracted even more fans from across the pond.Upon arriving at the Gaggal Airport, English fans were greeted by breathtaking views of snowcapped mountains. The unusually cold weather for this time of year has added to the home-like atmosphere for the visitors. "It feels like the start of summer for us," exclaimed a fan from Liverpool.England's opening practice session exuded a relaxed vibe, with Guns N' Roses' "Paradise City" playing in the background. The batters marveled at the majestic mountains during their breaks. Jonny Bairstow, who is set to play his 100th Test, praised the HPCA Stadium as the most picturesque ground in the world, surpassing even his beloved Newlands in Cape Town.The surface, which initially appeared flat, has become a topic of discussion due to the cooler conditions favoring the seamers. However, Bairstow believes it will not provide an undue advantage to either side. "It's favorable for both teams," he said. "Look at the seam attack India have, world class and the spinners... I think it will be a great game."In the only Test played here in 2017, spinners played a crucial role, with Kuldeep Yadav taking four wickets in the first innings and Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja sharing six in the second. Ashwin, who will also be playing his 100th Test, acknowledged the unknown factors in this match. "It's pretty cold here," he said. "It will take a bit of time for the fingers to adjust."Despite the travel challenges, India's captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid joined their teammates in time for the training session. The entire squad attended, eager to prepare for the upcoming Test.

Jonny Bairstow, England's wicketkeeper-batsman, is on the cusp of a significant milestone as he approaches his 100th Test match. The upcoming fifth and final Test against India holds immense emotional weight for Bairstow, who has overcome adversity and a challenging upbringing to reach this pinnacle.Bairstow's journey to 100 Tests has been marked by resilience and determination. At the tender age of 8, he lost his father, David, a former England wicketkeeper, to suicide. His mother, Janet, provided unwavering support, raising the family while battling and overcoming breast cancer twice.Reflecting on his upcoming milestone, Bairstow expressed, "It means hell of a lot. It will be an emotional week for me."The match will be played at the picturesque Dharamsala ground, which Bairstow holds in high regard. "Cape Town is my favorite, but I don't think there's a more picturesque ground in the world than Dharamsala," he said.Despite India's commanding 3-1 lead in the series, Bairstow remains optimistic about England's chances. "We've got a lot of pride in the shirt and we want to finish the series on a high," he stated.Bairstow's 100th Test match is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the support of his family and teammates. As he takes the field, he will carry the weight of his journey and the hopes of a nation eager to witness his continued success.