Ben Stokes and Co. go jogging in picturesque Dharamsala ahead of fifth Test

Getting bowled over the serene Himalayan backdrop of Dharamshala, England skipper Ben Stokes and his squad indulged in a refreshing morning run, gearing up for the crucial fifth Test against India commencing on March 7. Dharamshala, nestled at an altitude of 1457m, boasts breathtaking vistas of snow-laden peaks and gushing streams. Stokes graciously shared glimpses of their jog, capturing the essence of their pre-match preparations. The scenic charm intertwined with fitness drills and signalled England's readiness for the upcoming showdown on the Thursday.

Against the backdrop of English conditions, the visiting team seeks redemption against India following their 3-1 Test series defeat. This marked the first series loss under the Bazball era. The previous Test in Ranchi saw India clinch victory by five wickets, sealing an unassailable lead in the five-match series. Despite a promising first innings, the visitors faltered in the second innings, succumbing to Ravichandran Ashwin's fifer and Kuldeep Yadav's four-wicket haul. Their collapse turned the tide in India's favour, amplifying the challenge for the visitors in their pursuit of a consolation win.

Here's Ben Stokes' latest post on Instagram:

England would’ve fancied series decider in Dharamsala

India's triumph in Ranchi against England gains deeper significance as the cricketing caravan moves to Dharamsala for the final Test. The climatic conditions in the picturesque setting of Dharamsala could have played a pivotal role had the series stood at 2-1 or 2-2. In the chilly, rainy ambience of Dharamsala, England would have fancied their chances.

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Especially with the morning temperature forecasted at a mere 5 degrees Celsius on March 7, the day slated for the commencement of the fifth Test at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium. However, a slight respite awaits as the weather is anticipated to warm up, with temperatures ranging between 11 and 21 degrees Celsius over the course of the next four days of the match.