India’s series-clinching win in the fourth Test in Ranchi rendered the fifth and final cricket Test against England, starting March 7 in Dharamsala significant solely for its implications on the World Test Championships points, and as the weather finally cleared on Monday, it raised expectations of another cracker of a contest.
For the past couple of days, the Dharamsala weather has been the point of focus with rain bringing the temperature a few notches further down, and the minimum temperature expected in the town on Monday is 4 degree Celsius. The weather forecast for the course of the five days in Dharamsala predicts multiple interruptions, which include chilly weather and sleet.
With the chilly conditions, England are more likely to feel at home, but could have mattered more had the series not been decided yet. Ben Stokes and his men started their campaign with a 28-run win in the first Test in Hyderabad, their only solace so far on the tour as Rohit Sharma’s men came back strongly to pocket the three Tests in Vizag, Rajkot and Ranchi, and seal the series.
Rohit Sharma & Co grabbed vital points in terms of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 standings, moving to second after the conclusion of the fourth Test. India moved further up to the first spot following New Zealand’s defeat to Australia in Wellington on Sunday.
India will hope to grab another 12 points with a win in Dharamsala before resuming their campaign later in September. However, India’s hopes will depend on the mercy of the weather gods, as the Indian Meteorological Deparment’s (IMD) local weather forecast, predicted that the temperatures could dip to as low as 6 degrees Celsius on the opening day of the Test with light rain predicted for the first two days. While the temperature may increase slightly over days two, three and four with regular sunshine, rain could return on the potential fifth day.
The picturesque HPCA Stadium has only hosted one Test match before, back in 2017 against Australia. The hosts were due to play another red-ball game at the venue last year against the same opponents, but it was shifted to Indore owing to issues with the outfield.