Cricket

India's emphatic series victory over England in Ranchi takes on a new dimension when considering the contrasting weather conditions between Ranchi and Dharamsala, the venue for the fifth and final Test. With the hosts securing an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series, the Dharamsala match holds significance primarily for World Test Championship (WTC) points.Had the series been poised at 2-1 or 2-2 heading into the fifth Test, England would have harbored hopes of triumphing or sharing the trophy in the familiar conditions of chilly, rainy Dharamsala. However, India's dominance in the previous three Tests has effectively extinguished those aspirations.India's ascent to the top of the WTC table, following Australia's victory over New Zealand in Wellington, further underscores the significance of the Dharamsala Test. The weather forecast for the morning of March 7, when the match is scheduled to commence, paints a stark contrast to the conditions in Ranchi.Temperatures in Dharamsala are expected to hover around 5 degrees Celsius, with a forecast of "mostly cloudy and cold with a little rain." The afternoon temperature is predicted to reach 7 degrees, dropping to around 4 degrees in the evening.Despite the chilly start, the weather is anticipated to improve over the next four days, with temperatures ranging from 11 to 21 degrees. England, who began the series with a 28-run victory in the first Test, have since suffered three consecutive defeats.India leveled the series with a 106-run win in Visakhapatnam, followed by a massive 434-run victory in Rajkot. The hosts sealed the series with a five-wicket triumph in Ranchi, leaving England with little hope of salvaging the series in Dharamsala.

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley has refuted claims that India, England, and Cricket Australia have disregarded a proposal to safeguard Test cricket. A report in the Sydney Morning Herald alleged that the three influential boards dismissed a document drafted by New Zealand Cricket chair Martin Snedden, which suggested overhauling the future tours program (FTP) to preserve the longest format of the game.Hockley vehemently denied these allegations, stating that ongoing discussions are centered on optimizing the calendar and fostering cricket's global growth. The proposed blueprint includes additional windows for T20 leagues beyond the Indian Premier League, modifications to the World Test Championship points system, 40-over ODIs, concerns about T20Is, and efforts to pool broadcast rights revenue for bilateral series.Hockley emphasized Australia's commitment to supporting the ICC in ensuring the health of all three cricket formats. He highlighted the country's role in introducing the World Test Championship and its involvement in the ICC's FTP working group.Hockley acknowledged the global expansion of cricket, citing the United States' embrace of the game and its co-hosting of the T20 World Cup with the West Indies later this year. He stressed the importance of a format strategy that accommodates all formats and fosters their coexistence.Regarding the World Test Championship, Hockley emphasized its significance and Australia's unwavering support for men's Test cricket as its most valuable asset. He emphasized the need to enhance the prominence of the World Test Championship and ensure its economic viability in all territories.Hockley concluded by highlighting the ongoing efforts to configure the calendar to accommodate all three formats. He emphasized the collaborative nature of these discussions, involving all ICC members, to ensure the continued growth and success of cricket worldwide.