ENG vs IND: Birmingham Test set to start at 3 PM IST

The timings for the fifth and final Test match between India and England have been changed because of the viewers from the Indian subcontinent. It must be noted that it is a rescheduled Test that will be played at the Edgbaston, Birmingham after the original fixture was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year in September.

The England Cricket Board (ECB) has decided to start 30 minutes early as compared to their normal Test matches timings. The red ball matches in England start around 11 AM (local time), and 3:30 PM (IST) but the India-England fixture will start by 10:30 AM. This means that the first ball of a day will be bowled at 3 PM as per Indian timings with stumps to be called at 10 PM IST.

Jasprit Bumrah to lead India

As far as the Test match is concerned, Jasprit Bumrah is set to become India’s 36th captain in the format with Rohit Sharma still not recovered from COVID-19. He tested positive for the virus on Thursday (June 30) morning as well. Rishabh Pant has been named the vice-captain of the side. It remains to be seen who accompanies Shubman Gill at the top of the order for India in Rohit’s absence. Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari and KS Bharat are the options for the visitors.

Meanwhile, England have already named their playing XI for the all-important Test match. Veteran James Anderson has made a comeback after missing the third Test match against New Zealand due to an injury. He has replaced Jamie Overton in the line-up. Sam Billings has also been retained in the XI as Ben Foakes who tested COVID positive during the Test vs Kiwis hasn’t recovered yet.

As for the series, India are leading the five-match series 2-1 and have a great chance to win their first Test series in England since 2007. Incidentally, Rahul Dravid who was the captain then, is the head coach of the Indian team right now.