13 Aug 2011

England top of the world after crushing defeat of India

England’s bowling attack proves too much for India again as the hosts top the ICC world Test rankings for the first time.

England finished the tourists off for 244, beating them by an innings and 242 runs.

England have become the world’s top-ranked Test cricket team for the first time after a crushing victory over India at Edgbaston.

England finished the tourists off for 244, beating them by an innings and 242 runs, after James Anderson took three top-order wickets in the fourth morning of the third npower Test.

India faded fast after Anderson dismissed Gautam Gambhir, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman in quick succession.

The visitors never looked likely to threaten England’s 710 for seven declared on Friday, a massive total built on Alaistar Cook’s magisterial 294.

Sachin Tendulkar, pursuing his 100th international century, led a minor counter-attack and had reached 40 when Mahendra Singh Dhoni drove towards Swann and the bowler deflected the ball into the stumps with Tendulkar’s bat on the line.

Only late flourishes from Dhoni (74 not out) and Praveen Kumar saved India from their heaviest defeat and prevent England from scoring the second-largest margin of victory in their history.

The win – their sixth Test victory in a row – saw England wrap up the series 3-0 and knock India of the top of the International Cricket Council rankings for the first time.

There’s not many bowling units better than ours in the world. Andrew Strauss

India now slip into third place behind South Africa.

England captain Andrew Strauss said: “There’s not many bowling units better than ours in the world.

“It’s been a goal of ours to reach the top of the rankings for a long time. It’s a great testament to everyone involved in the England set up and fills me with a lot of pride.”

Prime Minister David Cameron said: “It was a massive team effort, bowling India out twice for less than 250 and always being so sharp in the field.

“I watched the closing overs on the sofa at home and will remember the joy of the crowd at Edgbaston and England getting to number one in such style for a long time to come.

“The whole nation can be very proud of our team of world beaters.”