India thrashed England by 317 runs in the second Test to level the four-match series 1-1 at Chennai’s M A Chidambaram Stadium.
Key points:
- India has wrapped up the second Test in Chennai, beating England by 317 runs inside four days on a turning pitch
- Ravichandran Ashwin had match figures of 8-96 and scored a second innings century, while Axar Patel took a five-wicket haul on debut for India
- The series is 1-1 with two Tests to come, with results deciding whether India, England or Australia will join New Zealand in the World Test Championship final
Chasing a record victory target of 482, England were all out for 164 in their second innings with number nine batsman Moeen Ali their top scorer with a breezy 43.
India’s left-arm spinner Axar Patel (5-60) claimed a five-for in his debut Test.
Spin colleague Ravichandran Ashwin returned 3-53 to finish with a match haul of eight wickets to go with his scintillating century in India’s second innings.
Moeen smashed five sixes, included three in a row off Patel, in his 27-ball blitz before he was the last man dismissed on the penultimate day.
Skipper Joe Root made 33 before falling to Patel in what effectively marked the end of England’s resistance on a turning track.
England had been on the back foot after being skittled for 134 in their first innings.
The third Test, a day-night contest, is set for Ahmedabad from February 24.
Indian win keeps Test Championship final wide open
The comprehensive win not only levels the four-Test series, it leaves open scenarios where any of three sides can take the last remaining spot in this year’s World Test Championship final.
Loading
New Zealand have already qualified for the decider, which will be held at Lord’s from June 18 to 22.
An England win in the second Test would have removed India from contention for the final at Lord’s.
The home side must have a series victory and win at least two Tests to qualify (2-1 or 3-1 series results).
The tourists need to win the series and have at least three Test victories to claim the spot in the final.
This now means that Joe Root’s team must win the third and fourth Tests in Ahmedabad to qualify.
If the series is drawn, or if England takes the series 2-1, then Australia will face the Black Caps in the final.
Loading
Reuters/ABC
