India vs England fifth Test tips and predictions: Ravichandran Ashwin to have England in a spin
- James Richardson
- 5 March 2024
After weeks of hard fought Test cricket, England's tour of India comes to a close as the action moves to the lofty heights of Dharamsala on Thursday for the fifth and final Test (0400 GMT).
India may have taken the series but with World Test Championship points on the line there is still plenty to play for in the final match of this series.
England have been more competitive than expected but will still be carrying a sense of disappointment considering the chances they have had to make a real splash in India.
This match will be just the second Test contested at the postcard-perfect Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, which has the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas. India comfortably beat Australia in the inaugural Test match at this ground back in 2017.
The Test is also set to be the 100th for England star Jonny Bairstow, who comes into the match under pressure after a lean run.
India vs England fifth Test: Suggested bets
Yashasvi Jaiswal took a step down from his brilliant form in the last match but India could still rely on him to bank a fifty while Shubman Gill and a long batting lineup covered over the sins of the top order. Gill looks like a solid player to back to get runs in Dharamsala.
Ravichandran Ashwin is also set to play in his 100th Test which might act as an extra incentive for him to get among the wickets. Ashwin is one of three bowlers to have taken 17 wickets in the series to date and is currently locked in a tie with fellow spinner Ravindra Jadeja and paceman Jasprit Bumrah in the race to end top. Bumrah will be rested for the final Test and India are set to take their pick of strips which should set things up for a showdown between Jadeja and Ashwin.
England's star bowler has been Tom Hartley and that doesn't look like it will change up in the mountains. Hartley could end as the top wicket-taker overall with 20 scalps in the bank already for the left-armer.
When it comes to bating England have got more out of Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley than they might have thought they were good for. Duckett looks likely to finish as England's leading runscorer overall and looks a good shout to be England's main man with the bat in Himachal Pradesh.
Predictions
Shubman Gill to top score for India.
Ravichandran Ashwin to lead wicket-takers for India.
