India have handed the Test debut to Devdutt Padikkal in the fifth and final Test against England at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) Stadium in Dharamsala on Thursday.
England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bat first as the visitors will eye to end the series with a win.
Padikkal replaced injured Rajat Patidar, who suffered a blow during a practice session on the eve of the match. The Board of Control for Cricket in Inda (BCCI) informed that Patidar pulled up sore in the morning and was not available for the selection.
“Rajat Patidar got hit on his left ankle during Team India’s practice session on 6th March, 2024. He pulled up sore on the morning of the game and was not available for selection for the 5th Test,” BCCI wrote on X.
India made one change in their playing 11 as speedster Jasprit Bumrah, who was rested for the fourth Test in Ranchi, returned for the dead rubber.
“We would have batted first as well. We have done really well so far this series and an opportunity to finish on a high. There should be good bounce on this pitch than the games before in this series. Good pitch to bat on and I don’t think it will deteriorate that much,” Rohit said.
It is a special day for Ravichandran Ashwin as he is playing his 100th Test for India.
“Ash has been a real stalwart of Indian cricket. Such a proud moment for him, his nation and the family. We will be rooting for him to do the magic. Bumrah is back, Akash Deep misses out. Devdutt Padikkal makes his debut as Patidar got injured last evening,” the opener added.
India enjoy an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series and will look to continue the momentum with four wins in a row.