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.
