India made two changes to their playing XI for the fifth and final T20 International against England on Saturday, bringing back Sanju Samson and handing Suryansh Shedge a place in the side, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Washington Sundar were left out. After winning the toss at The Rose Bowl in Southampton, India elected to bowl first.
The changes come as India look to end the series on a positive note after England secured an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match contest. The final match offers India an opportunity to salvage pride and finish the tour with a victory despite the series already being decided.
Sanju Samson’s return strengthens India’s batting line-up, while Suryansh Shedge has been included to add balance to the side. Young opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who featured earlier in the series, misses out, while all-rounder Washington Sundar also makes way for the new combination selected by the team management.
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England made one change to their playing XI, bringing spinner Liam Dawson into the side in place of Rehan Ahmed. The hosts, having already wrapped up the series, will aim to maintain their dominance and complete a comprehensive victory in the final fixture.
India’s playing XI comprises Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), captain Shreyas Iyer, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Suryansh Shedge, Axar Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Prince Yadav and Prasidh Krishna. England have fielded Philip Salt, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), captain Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Tom Banton, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid and Josh Tongue.
With the series result already settled, both teams will use the final T20I to fine-tune combinations and assess players ahead of future international assignments. India will be looking to deliver an improved all-round performance, while England will seek to finish the series on a winning note in front of their home supporters.
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