Dharamsala : As the final showdown of the India-England Test series approaches, both teams have intensified their preparations at the Dharamshala Stadium for the match scheduled from March 7 to 11. The squads have been rigorously training under the bright cum cloudy Dharamshala skies, with notable efforts from players on both sides to acclimatize to the conditions.
England’s Jonny Bairstow, gearing up for his 100th international test match, shared his optimistic views on the pitch and outfield conditions during a press briefing. Crediting recent Ranji and World Cup matches for the improvements, Bairstow highlighted the outfield’s readiness and expressed excitement for the milestone match in his career.
The teams engaged in thorough practice sessions, including warm-ups and net practice, under the guidance of their respective coaching staff. Indian team coach Rahul Dravid, along with players Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, and newcomer Rinku Singh, made their presence felt, signaling strong preparations ahead of the critical match.
Adding to the anticipation, Indian captain Rohit Sharma, after inaugurating the MP Khel Mahakumbh in Bilaspur with Union Minister Anurag Thakur, on Tuesday made a grand arrival in cricket stadium Dharamsala by helicopter and now ready to lead from the front.
Veteran spinner R Ashwin, on the eve of his 100th Test match, reflected on his journey and the evolution of his game since the 2012 series against England. With a recent entry into the elite 500-wicket club in Test cricket, Ashwin’s focus remains on contributing to a victory in the upcoming Test, emphasizing the significance of the team’s performance over personal milestones.
With India leading the series 3-1, the Dharamshala Test is poised to be a thrilling conclusion to an already exciting series, as both teams vie for supremacy under the picturesque backdrop of the Himalayas.
Before this, the England team warmed up by running from their hotel to Khaniyara on Monday morning. Indian team coach Rahul Dravid also took a morning walk till Thatri in Khaniyara on Monday. He also posed for photos with fans.
