More than a month ago, Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum had landed with a positive outlook on Bazball's success in India. The plot failed miserably but Stokes' men have been living in hope.

The freezing temperatures here prompted their players to come out in beanie caps at training on Wednesday. The conditions will suit them more than it will the hosts, but it is the team composition that could have a huge say on the outcome.

Stokes sounded far from downcast on the eve of the final Test and insisted that his "Bazballers" have made progress and evolved on this tour, the 3-1 scoreline notwithstanding. That should sound like music to the ears of the numerous England supporters who have descended on Dharamsala and McLeodganj.

If England means business in the dead rubber, Rohit Sharma's men would aim to clinch vital World Test Championship points. India though have been left a bit wary on deciding their final XI.

Will they play three pacers or go in with three spinners? Kuldeep Yadav was too good in the last Test in Ranchi, including a match-winning spell in the second innings, and will be difficult to leave out. But harsh decisions sometimes need to be made in the best interests of the team.

The consistent ice-cold breeze emanating from the Dhauladhar range will aid swing though the wicket has a dry and bald look to it. The last Ranji match here, barely three weeks ago, finished within four days where seamers took all the 36 wickets to fall. That's not unusual in these parts.

While India dither over the playing XI, England have dropped their idea of including three pacers, recalling Mark Wood in place of Ollie Robinson in an attempt to beef up their attack.