India will take on England in the 5th test match at Old Trafford, Manchester on Friday. India defeated England in the 4th test and took a lead in the five-match series 2-1. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
On one day the England batting lineup looks too strong to get out and on another, they fall like a pack of cards. Joe Root has been the backbone of the batting, either he scores runs and gets the team into a good position or gets out early and the team packs up. With Jos Buttler coming in the squad, there is a chance Jonny Bairstow might sit out to make way for him since Ollie Pope had a good outing in the last test. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
Craig Overton hasn't been that impactful either with ball or the bat. England might bring in Mark Wood in his place. James Anderson is likely to play in this test. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
India's batting has gradually found form as the series has progressed. Rohit Sharma scored a match-winning ton and the rest of the batting lineup supported him well. With Ajinkya Rahane not in form, there is an outside chance of either R Ashwin or Suryakumar Yadav coming in to replace him. If Pujara is not fit, Hanuma Vihari will replace him. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
India's bowling has been exceptional in this series. Ravindra Jadeja has given the control with the old ball and has contributed with the bat as well. Shardul Thakur was a major factor in India's win in the last game. Mohammed Shami might come back in the XI for either Mohammed Siraj or Jasprit Bumrah if management decides to give them a break. <\/p>\r\n\r\n
India has been a much more dominating side in this series but one can't rule out England at all in the home conditions. India will start as slight favorites. <\/p>\r\n\r\n