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Cuttack: With the ODI series already in his pocket, MS Dhoni is in mood for some experimentation. Riding on the crest of an unbeatable 4-0 lead in the seven match series against England, the India's skipper is certain to make a few changes in the fifth game at the Barabati Stadium here on Thursday, a day-night affair.
The 'few' changes can be as many as three. "Maybe one or two batsmen and one bowler," Dhoni said after an hour-and-a-half of practice at the Barabati on Tuesday afternoon. Pace spearhead Zaheer Khan needs a break and the skipper might do him a favour by replacing him with Irfan Pathan. In batting, Gambhir or Sehwag may rest and chance for young middle order batsman Virat Kohli, because Viru and Gauti continue playing from Test series against Australia. And Test matches start against from November 11.
Dhoni has hinted at some changes, like giving spearhead Zaheer Khan a much-needed break, but surely that will not compromise on the Indian team's balance. The changes, if any, would be expected to contribute to more winning causes. India are well and truly on the road to a whitewash.
England will be looking for a fresh start in the fifth ODI here at the Barabati Stadium on Wednesday and might just fancy their chances. They have a good record here, having won three of the four matches that they have played so far, the last being a 16-run win over the hosts in 2002. That knowledge should do some good to their sagging confidence.
| India | England | |
| Coach | Gary Kirstan | peter Moores |
| ICC Ranking | 3 | 6 |
| Key Players | Sehwag, Sachin, Ishant, Yuvraj | Flintoff, Pietersen, Shah, Anderson |
| Drawing Broad | The series already in the bag and MS Dhoni & Co. would want to inflict more damage on the visitors. It is also an opportunity to test the bench strength. | England showed sign of improvement before the D/L method spoiled their party in Kanpur and Bangalore. Quite funnily, they score more runs than Indian and yet lost in Bangaluru. KP and his boys have to somehow get their act together and play for pride. |
| Weather | Time to say goodbye to Messrs Duckworth & Lewis, at least for now. It's going to be bright and sunny with the mercury reading 31oC. Get your water bottles and wet towels ready as the humidity will be as high as 915 | |
| Pitch | Don't expect a run feast as in the first two games. At the outset, chasing seems difficult at the Barabati. A 300+ score has been posted just once. Playing under lights will not make things any easier. | |
| ODDS | 1/2 | 6/4 |
| Head to head | Total 69, India 37, England 30, NR 2 | |
