India Solidify WTC Dominance with Innings Victory over England

India Solidify WTC Dominance with Innings Victory over England

India’s dominance in the World Test Championship (WTC) continues unabated as they secured a comprehensive innings and 64-run victory over England in Dharamsala. This emphatic win sealed a resounding 4-1 series triumph, further solidifying their position at the summit of the WTC rankings.

India’s impressive performance in the ongoing WTC cycle has seen them accumulate 68.51 percentage points from nine matches, with six wins, two losses, and one draw. Their latest victory propelled them from 64.58 to their current standing.

Captain Rohit Sharma celebrated the series triumph by acknowledging the contributions of promising young talents Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, and Dhruv Jurel. In a social media post, Sharma referred to them as “garden mein ghoomne wale bande,” a phrase he had used during the Vizag Test to describe players who were not performing up to expectations.

Sharma’s post drew attention from India’s T20 sensation Suryakumar Yadav, who singled out Jaiswal and Gill for praise. Former India all-rounder Yuvraj Singh clarified that the post specifically referred to Shubman.

Rohit Sharma himself had an exceptional series with the bat, amassing 400 runs in five matches at an average of 44.44. He notched up two centuries and one fifty, showcasing his class and consistency.

India’s victory in Dharamsala was a testament to their all-round strength. The bowlers, led by Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami, wreaked havoc on the English batting lineup, while the batsmen, including Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Rishabh Pant, provided valuable contributions.

The series win against England has further boosted India’s confidence as they prepare for the upcoming WTC final against New Zealand. With their impressive record and a formidable squad, India will be aiming to secure the inaugural WTC title and cement their status as the world’s leading Test team.

India Extends Lead in World Test Championship After England Series Win

India Extends Lead in World Test Championship After England Series Win

India’s dominance in the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) continues as they extend their lead at the top of the points table after defeating England in Dharamsala. The 4-1 series victory solidifies India’s position as the number one Test team, regardless of the outcome of the ongoing Christchurch Test between New Zealand and Australia.

India’s resurgence in the WTC began after a disappointing start to the series against England. After losing the first Test in Hyderabad, they rallied to win the next three matches, climbing back to the top of the standings. The innings victory in Dharamsala further cemented their position, boosting their percentage points to 68.51%.

The WTC points system awards 12 points for a Test win, six for a tie, four for a draw, and zero for a defeat. Teams are ranked based on the percentage of points won, as each team plays a varying number of Tests in the WTC cycle.

India’s success in the WTC is attributed to their consistent performances and ability to win matches in different conditions. They have now won six out of nine matches in the ongoing cycle, with only two defeats and one draw.

Meanwhile, England’s slow over-rate penalties have hindered their progress in the WTC. Despite winning three Tests in this cycle, they have lost 19 points for slow over-rate penalties, dropping them to eighth place with only 17.5 percentage points.

New Zealand and Australia remain in contention for the top two spots. If New Zealand wins the Christchurch Test, they will increase their percentage points to 66.67%, while an Australian victory would move them ahead of New Zealand on 62.5%.

With only a Bangladesh-Sri Lanka Test series remaining before the IPL season begins, India is set to maintain their number one ranking for the foreseeable future. The top two teams at the end of the WTC cycle will qualify for the final at Lord’s in June 2025. India has previously qualified for both WTC finals but lost to New Zealand in 2021 and Australia in 2023.

India Soars to Top of World Test Championship Standings

India Soars to Top of World Test Championship Standings

India has ascended to the pinnacle of the World Test Championship (WTC) standings, as per the latest update released by the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Sunday. This elevation follows Australia’s triumph over New Zealand in the Wellington Test.

India’s dominance is reflected in their impressive points percentage of 64.58, propelling them to the top spot. New Zealand, the previous table-toppers, now occupy the second position with a points percentage of 60.00. Australia has slipped to third place, boasting a points percentage of 59.09.

India’s commanding position in the ongoing five-Test home series against England, where they hold an unassailable 3-1 lead, provides them with an opportunity to further cement their status at the summit of the WTC table. A victory in the fifth and final Test in Dharamsala, commencing on March 7, would solidify their dominance.

The WTC, inaugurated in 2019, is a two-year tournament that pits the world’s top Test-playing nations against each other in a league format. The top two teams at the conclusion of the league stage will qualify for the final, scheduled to be held in June 2023 at The Oval in London.

India’s rise to the top of the WTC standings is a testament to their consistent performances in Test cricket. Under the leadership of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the team has achieved notable victories both at home and abroad. Their ability to adapt to different conditions and overcome challenges has been a key factor in their success.

As the WTC progresses, the competition is expected to intensify, with all teams vying for a place in the final. India’s position at the top of the table provides them with a significant advantage, but they will need to maintain their momentum and continue to perform at a high level to secure their place in the championship match.

Ishan Kishan named KL Rahul's replacement for WTC Final

Ishan Kishan named KL Rahul’s replacement for WTC Final

Mumbai Indians opener Ishan Kishan has been named as the replacement for KL Rahul in next month’s World Test Championship against Australia at The Oval. Rahul, who recently got injured is set to undergo surgery followed by rehab in India.

Jay Shah, Honorary Secretary, BCCI stated, ” KL Rahul suffered an injury to his right upper thigh while fielding during Match 43rd of TATA IPL 2023 between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore on 1st May. After consultations with specialists, it has been decided that Rahul will undergo surgery at the earliest followed by rehab at the National Cricket Academy for the same.”

Ishan Kishan, who is still uncapped in Test cricket has played 14 ODIs and 27 T20Is so far. Kishan has played 48 first-class matches so far for 2985 runs at an average of 38.76 with six hundreds, and in the recent Ranji Trophy season he played just two games and scored 180 runs while averaging 45. He is the second wicketkeeper besides KS Bharat in Team India’s WTC squad.

SS Ton Cricket bat shown in image

In addition to KL Rahul, pace bowlers Umesh Yadav and Jaydev Unadkat are also under the scanner for injuries but find themselves still in the WTC squad for now.

“Jaydev Unadkat sustained a left shoulder injury by tripping over the side rope while bowling in the nets. A specialist consultation has been sought and the left-arm fast bowler is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru undergoing strength and rehab sessions for his shoulder. A decision on his participation in the WTC final will be taken at a later stage,” said the BCCI in a media release.

“Umesh Yadav sustained a minor left hamstring injury during Match 36 of TATA IPL 2023 between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on 26 April. The fast bowler is currently under the care of the KKR Medical Team and has started low-intensity bowling as part of his rehab process. The BCCI Medical Team is in regular touch with KKR Medical Team and is closely monitoring Umesh’s progress,” BCCI further added.

Additionally, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, and Suryakumar Yadav have been named as the standby players for the WTC final.

Revised Team India squad for WTC Final: Rohit Sharma (capt.), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KS Bharat (wk), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Ishan Kishan (wk)

Standby Players: Ruturaj Gaikwad, Mukesh Kumar, Suryakumar Yadav

Ajinkya Rahane Playing Test Match

Ajinkya Rahane recalled into Test team; picked for WTC final

Mumbai-batter Ajinkya Rahane has been named in the 15-member squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia set to be played at The Oval from June 7. The right-hander who was dropped from the Test squad back in January 2022 has been recalled following an amazing performance for Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

Rahane topped the run charts for Mumbai in a mostly forgettable Ranji Trophy 2022-23 campaign, his 634 runs at 57.63 including two centuries not enough for his side to make it to the knockouts. Playing for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, however, Rahane found a new tempo to his innings and at the time of this squad announcement, he had blitzed 209 runs from five innings at a strike-rate of 199.04.

Ajinkya Rahane will be responsible to handle the middle order duties, which seem a bit weak due to the absence of Test regulars Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer.

Team India Squad for World Test Championship final: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, KL Rahul, KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat

The news of Rahane’s comeback to the Test team was widely appreciated by cricket fans and pundits. Here are a few reactions by the netizens:

Australia announce WTC final squad; Marsh and Harris recalled into the team

Australia announce WTC final squad; Marsh and Harris recalled into the team

The current number one Test team; Australia have announced their squad for World Test Championship final against India and the first two Tests in the Ashes. The 17-member squad comprises Test regulars like David Warner, Steve Smith, and Marnus Lambuschagne with new additions including Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Harris, and Josh Inglis.

George Bailey, chairman of selectors said, “The UK is a very different assignment from our most recent tour of India and some of the changes are based upon the conditions we are anticipating.” He further added, “We see value in revisiting the squad following the second Ashes Test given the short turnaround between the WTC final and the first Ashes Test, along with the length of the tour.”

Bailey stated, “Marcus, Josh and Mitch return to the squad and will provide valuable depth and flexibility within their respective skill sets. We see value in revisiting the squad following the second Ashes Test given the short turnaround between the WTC Final and the first Ashes Test, along with the length of the tour.”

David Warner, who is having a torrid time in the IPL has held onto his place. While Cameron Bancroft, the top run-scorer in Sheffield Shield, and Michael Neser, the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament have not been included in the side. Additionally, Lance Morris, one of the fastest bowlers in Australia, has been ruled out through a back injury that requires at least six weeks of rest.

Australia, who will depart to the UK in late May, will trim their squad to 15 as per ICC rules for the WTC Final. That one-off marquee clash against India will be played at The Oval from June 7. The first Ashes Test will start at Edgbaston on June 20.

Updated squad for WTC final and Ashes: Pat Cummins (C), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (VC), Mitchell Starc, David Warner.

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