India reclaimed second position in the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 standings after a 106-run win over England in Vizag, closing the gap behind table-toppers Australia.
A rare setback in the opening Test in Hyderabad had previously seen India slip from second to fifth place.
However, their recent triumph has propelled them back up the rankings, pushing their point percentage to 52.77. The top half of the table remains highly competitive, with five teams separated by a mere 5% in point percentage.
India were under the pump coming into the second Test match and they delivered an outstanding performance. Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah led India to a series-leveling victory by 106 runs against England in the second Test on Monday, claiming three wickets each.
England, chasing 399 for victory, seemed steady at 95-1 before losing five wickets in the morning session, shifting the momentum in India’s favor. Opener Zak Crawley scored 73, with Ben Foakes and Tom Hartley contributing defiant 36s down the order, but England eventually succumbed, getting all out for 292 in the second session on day four.
Sessions may not define a Test match, but the intensity of the first session hinted at the direction in which the match was headed, with India making significant strides by claiming five English wickets. Crawley showcased aggressive batting, and Jonny Bairstow (26) also looked settled before both departed in successive overs before lunch.
England’s chances were further diminished when Ben Stokes was run out for 11. The third Test in Rajkot is scheduled to begin on Feb. 15.