India’s emphatic innings and 64-run victory over England in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala has solidified their dominance atop the World Test Championship (WTC) standings. The comprehensive win sealed a 4-1 series triumph for India, further extending their lead in the WTC table.
After securing the top spot last week, India’s massive victory in Dharamsala earned them 12 crucial points, boosting their point percentage from 64.58 to 68.51. New Zealand, the two-time WTC finalists, now sit in second place with a point percentage of 60, while Australia remains third with 59.09.
England, on the other hand, suffered their heaviest defeat under the “Bazball” era and their fourth consecutive loss against India. The defeat dropped their point percentage from 19.44 to 17.5, leaving them eighth in the standings.
Kuldeep Yadav’s five-wicket haul and centuries from Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill in the first innings laid the foundation for India’s victory. Veteran spinner R Ashwin then starred on the third day, claiming his 36th five-wicket haul in his landmark 100th Test.
After taking a commanding 259-run lead, India dismissed England for 195 in their second innings late on the third day. Kuldeep was named Player of the Match for his five-wicket haul in the first innings, while young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal received the Player of the Series award for his 712 runs in the series.
India’s victory in Dharamsala further cements their status as one of the world’s leading Test teams. With the WTC final scheduled for June 2023, India will be eager to maintain their position at the top of the standings and secure a berth in the prestigious event.
