India climbed at the No.1 spot in ICC World Test Championship points table after the memorable comeback win at the Oval on Monday. Virat Kohli and co. registered a thumping 157 run-run victory over the hosts England in the fourth test. And with this victory, India has taken a 2-1 lead in the series with the fifth and the final game of the series to be played at Manchester starting on Friday.
With all three results possible on Day 5, India held their nerves and bagged all 10 wickets on the surface which had nothing for the fast bowlers. A sensational spell from Jasprit Bumrah post-lunch made sure that India walked away with a comprehensive win. Bumrah became the quickest Indian fast bowler to take 100 Test wickets, achieving the feat in his 24th game. He dismissed Ollie Pope with an inswinging delivery in the second innings to reach the landmark. He then sent Jonny Bairstow with a cracking inswinging yorker to give England a double whammy. Rohit Sharma won the Player of the Match award for his magnificent hundred in the second innings.
India recorded their first Test win at the Oval since their historic 1971 victory. This was the first time ever that a team has won a Test at the Oval after conceding a lead of more than 50 runs in the first innings. England had a lead of 99 runs at the end of their first innings. India’s victory on Monday is also only the second time India has won two Tests on a tour of England, and the first time since 1986.
Team India take the top spot after winning Oval heroics
After the Oval win, India earned 12 points and they’re currently placed at the top position (54.17%) in the ICC World Test Championship(2021-23) points table. India has won two games, one each drawn, and lost after four games in the 2021-23 cycle. Pakistan and WestIndies both have 12 points alongside 50% percentage points. England remained at fourth position with a percentage of 29.17 after four Tests in the new cycle.
India will play a total of 6 series in the 2021-23 cycle. The Virat Kohli-led side will next play an away series against Bangladesh, South Africa. They will play at home against Sri Lanka, New Zealand, Australia.