The series is done and dusted but there is still one Test left on the schedule as India and England head to Dharamsala for the 5th and final match starting Thursday. As always, we have you covered with a preview and betting tips for the clash below.
India vs England 5th Test Betting Tips
Dharamsala, Thursday 7th March, 3.00pm (AEDT)
India wrapped up the series win with a five wicket victory in Ranchi in the 4th Test. They hold a 3-1 lead in the series and will look to cap off a dominant performance as they head to Dharamsala.
Despite a 46 run deficit after the first inning on the back of a Joe Root century, the English bowling proved to be too strong as they rolled England for just 145 in the 2nd innings to set up the win.
India
After a bit of a scratchy performance in the 2nd Test, the Indian batting line-up has solidified over the last two matches, particularly with the inclusion of new wicketkeeper Dhruv Jurel, who claimed man of the match honours in Ranchi. With Virat Kohli and KL Rahul still out of the line-up, it looks likely that India will go with the same six designated batsmen once again here.
Jasprit Bumrah, who has been one of the standout performers for India so far this series with 17 wickets at an average of 13.6, will be back in the line-up after missing the fourth Test. After a solid performance in the first innings with 3/19, Akash Deep could keep his spot in the side over Mohammed Siraj, but I think it’s unlikely.
India Predicted XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Ravi Jadeja, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravi Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohamed Siraj
England
While England have been more competitive in this series than many predicted them to be, they have just had periods of time where BazBall has failed and they have given away the game in as little as a session or two. They were well ahead of the game at 4-110 with a 156 run lead in the 4th Test before they lost their last six wickets for just 35 runs.
England have decisions to make for their playing XI ahead of the game as they ponder potentially playing a 3rd seam option which would see Anderson, Wood and Robinson all playing. I think that is unlikely to eventuate, and Anderson and Wood will get the eventual nod alongside spinners Tom Hartley and Shoaib Bashir.
England Predicted XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Ben Foakes, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson
Betting Tips
Hard to look past the Indians here with how much their batting line-up has developed over the last two Tests. Outside of Patidar, who is averaging just 5.5 over the last two Tests and could possibly lose his spot for this match, the Indian top seven averages in the 3rd and 4th Tests are 88, 47, 45, 65, 25 and 58.
Things get even tougher for England with Jasprit Bumrah coming back into the side on what looks to be a pitch that will offer at least a little for the seamers. I think the Indians are deserved heavy favourites here, so much so I think the $1.57 on offer is pretty good value.
