The five-match Test series between England and India will come to its conclusion with the fifth and final Test slated to begin on September 10 at the Old Trafford ground in Manchester. The series stands 2-1 in favor to Virat Kohli and co. and Joe Root has a big task on his hands to avoid a series defeat.
India came back strongly after being bowled out for 78 in Leeds and losing that third Test by an innings margin. Despite being kept to 191 in the first innings in the 4th Test at the Oval, Indian bowlers did amazingly well to keep England’s lead to 99 runs. Rohit Sharma’s century and the middle and lower order clicked in the second innings as England was given 368 to chase down.
England couldn’t do it and lost by 157 runs, giving India an unassailable 2-1 lead. Now the hosts have to win the final Test to keep India from winning their first series in England since 2007.
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Keeping all of this in consideration, Team COC presents to you the Team India playing XI for the 5th Test in Manchester.
Not many changes are expected in the Indian team for the final Test match given that a series victory is at stake for Virat Kohli and co.
Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul have been excellent at the top for the visitors, giving them solid starts and taking the shine off the new dukes ball. Cheteshwar Pujara has finally found his form and expects big innings from him in Manchester.
Virat Kohli has done enough to show that he is getting his form back, but that three-figure mark is still eluding him and maybe Manchester could be the place where he gets it especially after the pressure of saving the Test series is a bit less on the team.
One place where a change could be seen is Ajinkya Rahane’s spot in the XI. Rahane has been woefully out of form with the bat. However, with this being the only Test match left for India, he might get a respite and get another chance to prove himself.
Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur have all done decently well in their respective batting positions and Jadeja and Thakur were excellent with the ball as well.
One change that is almost certain is Mohammad Shami replacing Mohammed Siraj in the fast bowling lineup. Siraj was off-color in Oval and with Shami fit to play, this will be the logical decision.
Umesh Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah are expected to retain their place in the XI thanks to the commendable job they did in Oval.
The fifth and final Test begins on September 10 onwards.
COC Predicted India Playing XI for the fifth Test:
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah
