<p>Having already pocketed the five-match Test series 3-1, Team India made two changes for the final Test match in Dharamsala that kickstarted on Thursday (Mar 7). Rohit Sharma’s side handed a debut to Devdutt Padikkal while veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin took guard in his 100th Test match. The landmark moment saw Ashwin become the 14th Indian to achieve the feat. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah returned to the fold after missing&nbsp;the Ranchi Test as England opted to bowl first having won the toss.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Test Cap number 3⃣1⃣4⃣<br />
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Congratulations to Devdutt Padikkal who is all set to make his Test Debut! 👏👏<br />
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Go well <a href="https://twitter.com/devdpd07?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@devdpd07</a> 🙌<br />
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Follow the match ▶️ <a href="https://t.co/OwZ4YNua1o">https://t.co/OwZ4YNua1o</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/IDFCFIRSTBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDFCFIRSTBank</a> <a href="https://t.co/6XdcvaKl0s">pic.twitter.com/6XdcvaKl0s</a></p>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1765588138683216293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Padikkal makes Test debut</strong></h2>

<p>In the build-up to the Dharamsala Test, Rajat Patidar got hit on his left ankle during Team India's practice session on Wednesday. Having pulled up sore in the morning, the team management decided to hand Padikkal his debut Test cap. He becomes the 314th player to represent India in the red-ball format and was handed his debut cap by Ashwin, who is also playing a landmark contest. Padikkal’s inclusion in the Indian side Test side saw him return to the international fold after nearly three years, having last played in a T20I series against Sri Lanka in July 2021 under Shikhar Dhawan’s captaincy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, Ashwin was given a guard of honour by the Indian team while coach Rahul Dravid presented the legendary player with a memento. Ashwin was accompanied by his wife Priti and two children as they took the warm reception in the chilly atmosphere of Dharamsala.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/wpl-2024-gujarat-giants-openers-wolvaardt-mooney-break-multiple-records-with-140-run-partnership-vs-rcb-697345">WPL 2024: Gujarat Giants openers Wolvaardt, Mooney break multiple records with 140-run partnership vs RCB</a></p>

<h2><strong>What is on the line in the Dharamsala Test?</strong></h2>

<p>While the series has been pocketed by India, both teams still have plenty to play for with World Test Championship (WTC) points up for grabs. India currently sit top of the pile after New Zealand’s defeat to Australia in Basin Oval last week. A win for India will solidify their position in the standings while a win for England will keep their hopes alive for a top-two finish to help them&nbsp;qualify for the final in 2025.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>India Playing XI for 5th Test</strong></p>

<p>Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Devdutt Padikkal, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.</p>


Having already pocketed the five-match Test series 3-1, Team India made two changes for the final Test match in Dharamsala that kickstarted on Thursday (Mar 7). Rohit Sharma’s side handed a debut to Devdutt Padikkal while veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin took guard in his 100th Test match.

Having already pocketed the five-match Test series 3-1, Team India made two changes for the final Test match in Dharamsala that kickstarted on Thursday (Mar 7). Rohit Sharma’s side handed a debut to Devdutt Padikkal while veteran all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin took guard in his 100th Test match. The landmark moment saw Ashwin become the 14th Indian to achieve the feat. On the other hand, Jasprit Bumrah returned to the fold after missing the Ranchi Test as England opted to bowl first having won the toss. Test Cap number 3⃣1⃣4⃣ Congratulations to Devdutt Padikkal who is all set to make his Test Debut! 👏👏 Go well @devdpd07 🙌 Follow the match ▶️ https://t.co/OwZ4YNua1o#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/6XdcvaKl0s — BCCI (@BCCI) March 7, 2024 × Padikkal makes Test debut In the build-up to the Dharamsala Test, Rajat Patidar got hit on his left ankle during Team India's practice session on Wednesday. Having pulled up sore in the morning, the team management decided to hand Padikkal his debut Test cap. He becomes the 314th player to represent India in the red-ball format and was handed his debut cap by Ashwin, who is also playing a landmark contest. Padikkal’s inclusion in the Indian side Test side saw him return to the international fold after nearly three years, having last played in a T20I series against Sri Lanka in July 2021 under Shikhar Dhawan’s captaincy. On the other hand, Ashwin was given a guard of honour by the Indian team while coach Rahul Dravid presented the legendary player with a memento. Ashwin was accompanied by his wife Priti and two children as they took the warm reception in the chilly atmosphere of Dharamsala. ALSO READ | WPL 2024: Gujarat Giants openers Wolvaardt, Mooney break multiple records with 140-run partnership vs RCB What is on the line in the Dharamsala Test? While the series has been pocketed by India, both teams still have plenty to play for with World Test Championship (WTC) points up for grabs. India currently sit top of the pile after New Zealand’s defeat to Australia in Basin Oval last week. A win for India will solidify their position in the standings while a win for England will keep their hopes alive for a top-two finish to help them qualify for the final in 2025. India Playing XI for 5th Test Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Devdutt Padikkal, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.

IND vs ENG: Devdutt Padikkal debuts in Dharamsala while Ashwin takes field in 100th Test match

<p class="MsoNormal">Former Indian cricket team wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel believes that Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL numbers have not been the same since leaving Chennai Super Kings back in 2016.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Speaking on Cricbuzz, Parthiv said that Ashwin’s figures have taken a hit since leaving CSK and it is because of that fact that MS Dhoni knew how to use the veteran spinner properly.&nbsp;</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"First of all, it depends on the type of pitch you use. In Chennai, 140 or 150 is a winning score and spin also happens a lot. Because of that his numbers are better with Chennai. Also, the captain makes a difference. MS Dhoni knew how to use R Ashwin and where to use him. In 2010, he only made Ashwin use the new ball. He used him well and also got helped from the wicket," he said.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-suresh-raina-ms-dhoni-and-ab-de-villiers-were-the-most-challenging-to-bowl-to-says-sandeep-sharma-467156" hreflang="en">EXCLUSIVE: Raina, Dhoni &amp; ABD were the toughest to bowl to - Sandeep Sharma</a></p>

<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">"These numbers are not that bad. He has even made a comeback in the Indian team", he added.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Ashwin has failed to replicate his performance in the CSK colours which saw him take 90 wickets in 97 matches at an economy rate of 6.46. Since leaving CSK, he has taken 25 wickets for Punjab Kings at an economy of 7.67 and 20 wickets for Delhi Capitals at an economy rate of 7.55.</p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-no-1-in-top-celebrity-endorser-list-despite-brand-valuation-dip-dhonis-climbs-to-61-million-report-467190">Kohli remains No. 1 in top celebrity endorser list despite brand valuation dip</a></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">During his stint with Pune under Dhoni, he took 10 wickets in 14 appearances at an economy rate of 7.25.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p class="MsoNormal">Ashwin was picked by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2022 and he formed a formidable spin partnership with Yuzvendra Chahal in the franchise. The Royals started their campaign with a brilliant victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad but Ashwin failed to take his first wicket.<o:p></o:p></p>


Former Indian cricket team wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel believes that Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL numbers have not been the same since leaving Chennai Super Kings back in 2016.

Former Indian cricket team wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel believes that Ravichandran Ashwin’s IPL numbers have not been the same since leaving Chennai Super Kings back in 2016. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Parthiv said that Ashwin’s figures have taken a hit since leaving CSK and it is because of that fact that MS Dhoni knew how to use the veteran spinner properly. "First of all, it depends on the type of pitch you use. In Chennai, 140 or 150 is a winning score and spin also happens a lot. Because of that his numbers are better with Chennai. Also, the captain makes a difference. MS Dhoni knew how to use R Ashwin and where to use him. In 2010, he only made Ashwin use the new ball. He used him well and also got helped from the wicket," he said. Also read | EXCLUSIVE: Raina, Dhoni & ABD were the toughest to bowl to - Sandeep Sharma "These numbers are not that bad. He has even made a comeback in the Indian team", he added. Ashwin has failed to replicate his performance in the CSK colours which saw him take 90 wickets in 97 matches at an economy rate of 6.46. Since leaving CSK, he has taken 25 wickets for Punjab Kings at an economy of 7.67 and 20 wickets for Delhi Capitals at an economy rate of 7.55. Also read | Kohli remains No. 1 in top celebrity endorser list despite brand valuation dip During his stint with Pune under Dhoni, he took 10 wickets in 14 appearances at an economy rate of 7.25. Ashwin was picked by Rajasthan Royals ahead of the IPL 2022 and he formed a formidable spin partnership with Yuzvendra Chahal in the franchise. The Royals started their campaign with a brilliant victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad but Ashwin failed to take his first wicket.

'MS Dhoni knew how to use Ravichandran Ashwin': Parthiv Patel has his say on spinner's IPL performances

<p>India&#39;s Ravindra Jadeja pipped spin twin Ravichandran Ashwin to grab the pole position in the latest ranking for ICC Test bowlers while Cheteshwar Pujara reached a career-high second rank among batsmen.</p>

<p>Left-arm spinner Jadeja whizzed past Ashwin after snaring nine wickets in the drawn third Test against Australia, which left the four-match series interestingly poised at 1-1.</p>

<p>Jadeja, who grabbed five for 124 and four for 52 in Ranchi, has gained seven points after starting joint-first with Ashwin at 892 points. The left-arm spinner has become only the third Indian player after Ashwin and Bishan Singh Bedi to top the bowling charts on his own.</p>

<p>Pujara too has reason to celebrate as his knock of 202 has helped him gain four slots to reach a career-best second ranking with 861 points.</p>

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<h5>Left-arm spinner Jadeja whizzed past Ashwin after snaring nine wickets in the drawn third Test against Australia, which left the four-match series interestingly poised at 1-1</h5>
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<p>The Saurashtra batsman has replaced New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who is now in fifth place, also slipping behind Joe Root and Virat Kohli, who remained static at fourth position. Top-ranked Australian captain Steve Smith has reached a career-high rating of 941 points after scores of 178 not out and 21.</p>

<p>While Jadeja has closed in on a major landmark as his tally of 899 rating points has put him on the brink of becoming only the second Indian bowler after Ashwin to touch the 900-point mark, Ashwin, who had a highest rating of 904 points, has slipped 37 points behind Jadeja to 862 points after finishing with just two wickets in Ranchi.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the race for the second spot in the ICC Test team rankings has become interesting as Australia and South Africa compete ahead of the cut-off date of April 1, on which India is assured of finishing first and getting a cash award of USD 1 million.</p>

<p>Australia will finish second and get a cash award of USD 500,000 with at least a draw in the last Test in Dharamsala while South Africa can finish second if Australia loses with South Africa either winning or drawing the last match against New Zealand in Hamilton.</p>

<p>The third-placed team on April 1 will receive USD 200,000 while the fourth-placed team, which will be England, will get USD 100,000.</p>

<p>(PTI)&nbsp;</p>


R Ashwin, according to the latest ICC rankings, is the No. 2 Test bowler

India's Ravindra Jadeja pipped spin twin Ravichandran Ashwin to grab the pole position in the latest ranking for ICC Test bowlers while Cheteshwar Pujara reached a career-high second rank among batsmen. Left-arm spinner Jadeja whizzed past Ashwin after snaring nine wickets in the drawn third Test against Australia, which left the four-match series interestingly poised at 1-1. Jadeja, who grabbed five for 124 and four for 52 in Ranchi, has gained seven points after starting joint-first with Ashwin at 892 points. The left-arm spinner has become only the third Indian player after Ashwin and Bishan Singh Bedi to top the bowling charts on his own. Pujara too has reason to celebrate as his knock of 202 has helped him gain four slots to reach a career-best second ranking with 861 points. Left-arm spinner Jadeja whizzed past Ashwin after snaring nine wickets in the drawn third Test against Australia, which left the four-match series interestingly poised at 1-1 × The Saurashtra batsman has replaced New Zealand captain Kane Williamson, who is now in fifth place, also slipping behind Joe Root and Virat Kohli, who remained static at fourth position. Top-ranked Australian captain Steve Smith has reached a career-high rating of 941 points after scores of 178 not out and 21. While Jadeja has closed in on a major landmark as his tally of 899 rating points has put him on the brink of becoming only the second Indian bowler after Ashwin to touch the 900-point mark, Ashwin, who had a highest rating of 904 points, has slipped 37 points behind Jadeja to 862 points after finishing with just two wickets in Ranchi. Meanwhile, the race for the second spot in the ICC Test team rankings has become interesting as Australia and South Africa compete ahead of the cut-off date of April 1, on which India is assured of finishing first and getting a cash award of USD 1 million. Australia will finish second and get a cash award of USD 500,000 with at least a draw in the last Test in Dharamsala while South Africa can finish second if Australia loses with South Africa either winning or drawing the last match against New Zealand in Hamilton. The third-placed team on April 1 will receive USD 200,000 while the fourth-placed team, which will be England, will get USD 100,000. (PTI)

Jadeja is world's best Test bowler, Pujara second-best batsman