The hills of Dharamsala were alive with the sound of music but not even the eclectic blend of power ballads and dad rock that pumped out of the speakers at this postcard-perfect cricket ground could soften the sense of dread among the England supporters.
As they sat there on day one of this bucket-list fifth Test, puffer jackets zipped up, beanie hats on, even with the stirring Kangra Valley bathed in sunshine, they witnessed Ben Stokes and his men turn in a grim performance; one that undermined the captain’s rebuttal of departure lounge syndrome being a concern with India already series victors.
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