The home team has suffered a major setback even before the first ball of the fifth and final Test between India and England was bowled. Their captain Ben Stokes did not turn up for the practice session on Tuesday (June 21). In several reports by English journalists, the reason for this is being given that the health of the captain is not well. There is no confirmation whether he has tested positive for Covid-19 or not. England will play New Zealand in the third and final Test of the series on 23 June. The hosts have already won the series 2-0 but they would like to win the third and clean sweep to build momentum in the India series.
Test vs India is still ten days away but Stokes’ involvement is yet to be confirmed. The worst part for England is that they have not named any vice-captain in the Test series vs New Zealand. It is not yet confirmed who will lead England vs India in the crucial fifth Test. It should not be forgotten that England are 1-2 in the current five-match series and a loss or draw in the previous Test could result in a series loss.
India have never won in white clothes in England since 2007 when Rahul Dravid’s team won over Michael Vaughan’s England. The Rohit Sharma-led team has a golden chance to win the series. India are expected to take the field in full force in the fifth Test. The only question is the availability of R Ashwin. The off-spinner missed a flight to the UK as he tested positive for Covid-19 and is currently self-isolating at his home in Chennai. Whether or not he will be able to fly to England for the Test match starting July 1 at Edgbaston, there are still doubts that if he is not there, India will have to do without Ashwin.