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In a spectacular display of cricketing prowess, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team clinched a monumental 434-run victory over Ben Stokes-led England on Day 4 of the third Test at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot. With this emphatic win, India surged ahead in the ongoing five-match series, leading 2-1.
Decimation of England’s batting lineup
Chasing a formidable target of 557, the visitors faced a relentless onslaught from the Indian bowlers. Ravindra Jadeja, the standout performer, showcased his all-round brilliance by taking 5/41 with the ball. Complemented by Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin, the Indian bowling attack dismantled the English batting lineup in their second innings.
Historic margin: India’s biggest Test win
The resounding victory marked a historic moment for India, registering their most substantial Test win in terms of runs, with a staggering margin of 434 runs. The comprehensive triumph underscored the team’s dominance and showcased their ability to control the game across all facets.
Also READ: Twitter reactions: Clinical India thrash England in Rajkot to register their biggest win in Test cricket
Rohit Sharma’s noteworthy comment on England’s Bazball
In the post-match presentation, Rohit, the Indian skipper, subtly commented on England’s playing style, emphasizing the significance of staying in the game for all five days. The indirect jibe highlighted the strategic approach and resilience exhibited by the Indian team throughout the Test match.
“When you play Test cricket, you do not play it in two or three days. You have to stay in the game for five days. They played good shots (in the second innings) and put us under pressure but we have got class in our squad when it comes to bowling. So obviously the message was to stay calm (after day two). Important that time to stay calm, otherwise you drift. We stuck to our plans on day three, and when those things happen, it is a delight,” Rohit said.
Impact on ICC World Test championship standings
The triumph in Rajkot also had a significant impact on the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-24 standings. India, with their fourth win in seven matches in the WTC cycle, climbed to the second spot, surpassing Australia. India’s win percentage surged to 59.52, while Australia slipped to the third position with a 55.00 win percentage from six wins in 10 matches.
On the flip side, England’s defeat in the Rajkot Test led to a significant dip in their standings. England slipped to the eighth position in the ICC World Test Championship rankings. The team became the first to suffer four defeats in the WTC 2023-25 cycle, holding a win percentage of 21.88. The match result showcased the challenges England faced in the series and raised questions about their performance in the championship.
