OTD: How did India qualify for the inaugural ICC World Test Championship final in 2021 vs England?

India and England played a gruelling four-match Test series in February-March 2021. The first Test was played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. England, led by Joe Root, won the encounter by 227 runs to shock the Indian fans. Root led from the front with a magnificent 218 in the first innings and followed it up with a quickfire 40 in the second. However, things went downhill for the tourists from this point onwards.

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How did India respond in the second Test of ICC World Test Championship final?

India bounced back strongly in the second Test, which was also played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Ravichandran Ashwin took eight wickets in the Test match and also scored a crucial century. India won the match by a whopping 317 runs to square the series.

The action shifted to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad for the third Test. This turned out to be the shortest Test in terms of balls bowled to get a result in the post-war era. England were bowled out for 112 and 81 in their two innings. India, on the other hand, managed 145 in their first innings before chasing down 49 with all 10 wickets intact in the second. Axar Patel was the star of the show for the home side. In the first innings, he bagged a six-for and followed it up with a five-wicket haul in the second.

India took a 2-1 lead heading into the fourth and final Test match at the same venue. A draw would have been enough for India to seal their spot in the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final. However, they went for the jugular against a rattled England side.

After batting first, England were rolled over for 205 in 75.5 overs on Day 1. Ben Stokes top-scored with 55, while Daniel Lawrence also chipped in with a handy 46. Axar and Ashwin bagged four and three wickets, respectively.

In reply, India got into a spot of bother at 146/6 as James Anderson, Ben Stokes, and Jack Leach did considerable damage. However, Rishabh Pant scored a defiant century under pressure, while Washington Sundar gave him great company with a crucial 96. The Men in Blue finished on 365, taking a substantial 160-run lead on a rank turner.

What happened in England’s second innings?

In England’s second innings, Ashwin and Axar wreaked havoc. Apart from Root and Lawrence, none of the England batters could show much resistance. Both Ashwin and Axar finished with five wickets apiece as the visitors were bowled out for 135. They lost the match by an innings and 25 runs.

Ashwin won the Player of the Series award for his exemplary performances with bat and ball. India finished top of the table in the WTC standings. Later, they went on to face New Zealand in the WTC final in Southampton. The Kiwis emerged victorious in the one-off Test by eight wickets.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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