England may end with a disappointing finish

England may feel that this Test could have been a decider. Captain Stokes insists that his team has made progress despite the 3-1 scoreline. A final score of 3-2 would have been commendable and would have backed up the skipper's claim. Instead, the tourists are heading for a 4-1 defeat and a battle to justify any talk of progress.

The setting could not be more picturesque. The snow-capped mountains, brightly coloured seats, and stands of Dharamsala hint at a cricketing Disneyland.

England's end-of-tour showing lacked steel, despite the emotional milestone of Bairstow's family joining him in the England huddle before play and Ashwin being given a guard of honour as India took the field. James Anderson is two wickets short of 700 Test wickets. Notably, England's first-innings total of 218 is their lowest since September 2022.

The Indian spinners proved too skillful for some of the batters, resulting in recklessness from some and being undone by the spin from others. Kuldeep took three wickets due to England's inability to pick his googly.

Off-spinner Bashir recovered from illness to take his place in the XI but was hit for three sixes in his first over by Jaiswal.

Ollie Robinson is still unwell, leaving England with only 13 fit players. Assistant coaches Marcus Trescothick, 48, and Paul Collingwood, 47, were named as fielding substitutes. England should have considered calling on them to bat as well.