The upcoming fifth Test match between India and England in Dharamsala, set to commence on Thursday, is poised to unfold on a slow-turning pitch, as reported by Indian Express. Inclement weather conditions, marked by unseasonal rainfall, have hindered the efforts of ground staff to prepare the surface adequately.
Consequently, curators are slated to confer with the Indian team management to determine the nature of the pitch to be eventually crafted. With India’s spinners having played pivotal roles in securing victories throughout the series, the Dharamsala pitch is anticipated to once again favor a slow turn, offering substantial assistance to players like Rohit Sharma and company.
In a rare occurrence, the cricketing world will witness the convergence of two players marking their 100th Test appearance together for only the fourth time. Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin from India and batter Jonny Bairstow from England will share this milestone moment when they take to the field.
This feat has been witnessed previously on three occasions: firstly, by former England captains Michael Atherton and Alec Stewart against the West Indies in 2000; secondly, involving three players – Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock, and Stephen Fleming – during the South Africa-New Zealand match in 2006; and thirdly, by Alastair Cook and Michael Clarke during the England-Australia Ashes clash in 2013. The fifth Test in Dharamsala will thus witness Ashwin and Bairstow representing their respective sides, marking the second instance of opposing players reaching their 100th Test milestone in the same match.
Shortly after the commencement of the India-England fixture, New Zealand’s Tim Southee, the current captain, and his predecessor Kane Williamson will emulate Ashwin and Bairstow’s achievement by playing their 100th Test together. This confluence of centurions underscores the enduring legacy and rare camaraderie that cricket fosters among its elite players.
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