All you need to know about the fifth India-England Test in Chennai

There is an air of expectation around Ashwin‘s return to his home ground

India may have sealed the 5-match series but they would want to end it on a high by making it 4-0. Despite this Test being a dead rubber, it has all the makings of a fascinating contest with the embroiling friction between the two teams adding spice to the proceedings.

More so will be the return of Test cricket to Chennai after more than three years. However, Cyclone Vardah has hogged all the limelight leading up to the match and the relevant authorities are now working tirelessly to ensure that everything is in order. So far, the signs are veering towards the optimistic side as the pitch and the outfield seems to have escaped nature’s fury.

Let us now take a look at five of the most pertinent factors hovering over the final Test of the series.

#5 Captain Cook in uncertain times

Cook had indicated that Root is ready for captaincy

As with any high-profile defeat, England’s series loss has been met with resentment back home. While Alastair Cook’s position as skipper may not be under any imminent threat, there are already murmurs pointing towards Joe Root’s availability as a suitable candidate.

A victory, howsoever unlikely, could brighten the mood around their camp to a significant extent. Since they do not have any Tests scheduled till their home season starts in July, the prospect of a long break from the game’s traditional format might allow them to play without any pressure.