India jump to second in WTC 2023-25 points table after Vizag triumph

India are currently taking on England, led by Ben Stokes, in a five-game Test series which is part of the ongoing 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. The hosts showcased their prowess in the second Test, crushing the visitors by 106 runs at the Dr. Y S Rajashekar Reddy ACA-VDCA International Cricket Stadium in Vishakhapatnam to level the series 1-1 after losing by 28 runs in the opening Test in Hyderabad.

With this win, India have moved up to the second spot in the WTC 2023-25 points standings with 38 points. Notably, the Rohit Sharma-led side lost its second position and dropped to fifth place following the defeat in Hyderabad.

Moreover, this was India’s third win of the ongoing WTC cycle, following victories against the West Indies and South Africa. On the other hand, England are reeling at the eighth spot with 21 points. 

With 66 points, Australia, the reigning world champions, continue to lead the standings. India must now win its remaining games against the Brendon McCullum-coached side to take the lead in the standings.

Here’s the updated 2023-25 WTC points table:

Here’s the updated World Test Championship (WTC) points table after India’s comprehensive victory in the second Test against England in Vizag. pic.twitter.com/SOBJonsjfA

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 5, 2024

Jaiswal, Bumrah stars as India beat England by 106 runs

Opting to bat first, India scored a mammoth 396 in the first innings thanks to Yashasvi Jaiswal’s maiden double century, before Jasprit Bumrah‘s six-fer helped the hosts to bowl out Ben Stokes and Co. for just 253 runs. The ace speedster’s noteworthy spell, 6/45, allowed India to take a comfortable 143-run advantage.

Despite Gill’s ton, India’s second innings finished at 255 with Tom Hartley claiming a four-wicket haul. However, England’s attempt to chase a gigantic score of 399 in the final innings was thwarted by some phenomenal bowling from Bumrah and veteran Ravichandran Ashwin on Day 4 of the game. Notably, the tourists only managed to score 292 runs, allowing India to win the game by 106 runs.