The colourful HPCA Stadium is a relative newcomer to Test cricket, being number 114 out of the 122 grounds to have hosted a men's game. But nestled 1,317m above sea level, with a Toblerone of snow-capped Himalayan peaks as its backdrop and eagles swooping overhead, it is unquestionably among the most breathtaking.
Add the presence of the Dalai Lama, whom England's cricketers are due to meet today, a day out from the fifth Test, and the Tibetan population who live in exile in Dharamsala, and it ranks among the most fascinating, too. Even though India have won the series, those attending the region's second Test match - its first since Australia lost by eight wickets back in 2017 should feel pretty blessed.
All of which seems a decent antidote to what is known in cricket as departure lounge syndrome; the mental fatigue that can strike a defeated touring side before a series is completed. Not that Ben Stokes views it this way. The England captain is taken by the venue - it is impossible to be anything but, hence the avalanche of photos on social media - but is also confident of motivation regardless of India's unassailable 3-1 lead.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 06, 2024-Ausgabe von The Guardian.
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