England Crushed! India Rockets to #2 in World Test Rankings!

In a stunning display of dominance, India delivered a resounding blow to England in the third Test of the five-match series, emerging victorious by a staggering 434-run margin in Rajkot. This monumental triumph etched a significant milestone in India's Test cricket history, marking their largest-ever win in terms of runs across 577 Test matches. Notably, this victory also signifies India's inaugural achievement of clinching a win by a margin exceeding 400 runs, surpassing their previous record of a 372-run triumph over New Zealand in 2021. Furthermore, this triumph propelled India to a 2-1 lead in the series, propelling them past Australia in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, India now occupies the coveted second position in the WTC points table.

Eclipsing Records and Scaling Heights

New Zealand maintains its stronghold at the zenith of the WTC points table, boasting a remarkable point percentage of 75% after participating in four Tests within the cycle. India follows closely behind with a formidable 59.52%, while Australia trails marginally with 55%. Delving into the gripping match, Yashasvi Jaiswal's masterful double century, coupled with Ravindra Jadeja's five-wicket haul, propelled India to a historic triumph over England by an unprecedented 434 runs.

England's Disintegration and India's Ascendancy

Facing a daunting target of 557 for victory, England's batting lineup crumbled like a deck of cards, succumbing to eight dismissals in the final session and ultimately being bundled out for a mere 122 runs on the fourth day in Rajkot. Jadeja delivered the final blow by dismissing Mark Wood for 33, prompting jubilation as India secured their most substantial victory in terms of runs. England's woes commenced with the early dismissals of their openers, including first-innings centurion Ben Duckett, followed by Jadeja's relentless dismantling of the middle-order.

Struggles of England's Key Players

Not even the seasoned duo of Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root could salvage England's fortunes, with both succumbing to early exits after scoring just four and seven runs, respectively. Despite Skipper Ben Stokes' valiant efforts to thwart India's bowling attack, he too fell victim to Kuldeep Yadav's precision, departing for a meager 15 runs in his landmark 100th Test appearance.

Jaiswal's Heroics and India's Decisive Declaration

Amidst the carnage, Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as the beacon of India's triumph, crafting a majestic innings of 214 runs from 236 balls to decimate the opposition's bowling attack. Despite a brief setback due to back pain, Jaiswal showcased resilience by returning to the crease and notching his second double century in consecutive matches. His innings was embellished with a record-equalling 12 sixes, including three consecutive strikes off the illustrious James Anderson, a feat previously unattained against the veteran quick with 696 wickets in 185 Tests. India declared their second innings at 430-4, solidifying their dominance.

Anticipation for the Fourth Test

With the stage set for the fourth Test commencing in Ranchi, India stands poised to continue their quest for supremacy, buoyed by their successive triumphs and bolstered by the remarkable performances of their stalwarts. As the series unfolds, cricket enthusiasts await with bated breath, eager to witness the unfolding drama and the unfurling of further records in this riveting contest of skill and strategy.