IND vs ENG: Mark Wood takes place of Ollie Robinson in England's confirmed XI for 5th test

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced the lineup for the last Test in the ongoing series against India. With just one alteration from the previous match, where they endured a defeat in Ranchi, England seeks redemption in the fifth Test commencing at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Thursday, March 7.

Mark Wood steps in for Ollie Robinson, while James Anderson retains his spot despite featuring in three consecutive Tests, merely two wickets away from the coveted 700 mark.

Battling for Redemption in Dharamsala Amidst Series Defeat

Robinson’s lackluster performance in Ranchi saw him exit the XI, despite his notable contribution with the bat alongside Joe Root. The official statement from England Men confirmed the change, asserting the team’s readiness for the final showdown.

England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, James Anderson, and Shoaib Bashir.

Ben Stokes, the England captain, accentuated the positives gleaned from their tour despite the series loss, highlighting significant improvements in fitness and overall performance.

England’s journey in India saw debutants Shoaib Bashir and Tom Hartley showcasing promising bowling displays, with Hartley’s seven-wicket haul in the series opener being particularly notable. Despite such individual efforts, England’s quest for victory remains unfulfilled, conceding the series 3-1 to the hosts.