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.
