The total failure of the Indian cricket in all the departments in the ongoing England tour, ended with a sour note of another dismal performance on the fifth day at the Kennington Oval.
With this historic win the English team added the crown glory to their country by becoming the most dominated force in test cricket. They scored 125 points to become the world’s No1 team followed by South Africa with 118 points. They dethroned the Indians from their top slot with ease. Indians slid below to the third position with 117 points.
With a overnight score of 129 for three in the Day 4 of the play, India resumed with confidence on Day 5 to draw the match and save a bit of honour. Inspite of a brilliant show by Sachin Tendulkar and Amit Mishra, who between them put up 144 runs on board, for the fourth wicket the rest of them collapsed miserably. Seven wickets in 21 runs was the sad ending of the Indians.
India lost the test series to England 4-0. The hosts dominated the Indians in all fields. India scored 300 in 94 overs all out, in the first innings, in reply to 591 for 6 in 153 overs made by England. Indians could not avoid the follow-on. In the second innings Indians were 283 all out in 91 overs.
Captain Andrew Strauss was presented with the mace by Lorgat and Rod Riley, Executive President, Reliance Communications. A thoroughly satisfied man Strauss appreciated his team mates and said they were happy to be number one with such a comprehensive victory in the series against India.