England to play at cricket’s highest stadium where it was deemed too dangerous to dive for balls
England’s fifth and final Test against India this week will be played at the world’s highest cricket ground.
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala will host Thursday’s opener but predicted temperatures of 5C is likely to make conditions favourable for the tourists.
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Home to the Punjab Kings IPL team, the stadium stands at 1,457 metres above sea level with the Himalayas in close proximity.
The stadium holds around 23,000 in capacity and was opened in 2003. It hosted five matches in last year's ICC World Cup including India’s match with New Zealand.
Harsh winters and poor weather conditions are nothing new in the region as initial forecasts predicted sleet on the first day of play.
However, a shift in weather patterns could now see the game go ahead in slightly warmer temperatures.
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But weather conditions might not be the only issue England have to contend with as they prepare to line up on a surface once deemed dangerous to dive for balls on.
Ahead of England’s World Cup meeting with Bangladesh in October, concerns were raised about the outfield after an independent pitch consultant hired by the ICC cleared it for continued action.
The pitch was loaded with sand making it potentially dangerous for fielders diving knee or elbow first.
The Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium's pitch is viewed as the quickest in India due to the high altitude making the ball move faster through the air.
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England are hoping to end the tour on high despite having already lost the series after India won the fourth test in Ranchi, to take an unassailable 3-1 lead.
This week’s match is the second Test to take place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.
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India were victors over Australia in the previous Test, securing a 2-1 series win in 2017.
Listen to live and exclusive commentary of England's final Test in India on talkSPORT 2.
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