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Joe Root’s England on Tuesday romped to their biggest Test win on Indian soil as they won by 227 runs in Chennai to take 1-0 lead in the four-match series. Chasing 420, India were bowled out for 192 with Jack Leach taking 4/76 while the veteran James Anderson finishing with 3/17 even as captain Virat Kohli waged a lone battle with a valiant half-century. The result has also resulted in big changes in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship points table with the race now even more intense to make the final in June. Kohli’s men were at the top of the table before the Test got underway with England at fourth but the two teams have swapped places following the conclusion of the contest. England have now 70.2 PCT following their 11th victory in the current cycle followed by New Zealand who have 70 PCT and have already made the cut for the final to be played at the Lord’s. Australia are third and still have a chance to make the final depending on a favourable outcome of … [Read more...] about ICC World Test Championship Points Table Update: England Zoom to Top as India Drop to Fourth After Chennai Drubbing

India vs England: Four worry points for Virat Kohli & Co. to address ahead of second Test While Nadeem's replacement will be decided by Friday, one can expect Patel to replace him after his debut was put on hold by an injury. India were outplayed in the first Test that ended on Tuesday. "Axar had a minor knee niggle and has already started batting at the nets. He is expected to start bowling during the next couple of days," a senior BCCI source told PTI on Wednesday. "He was always the first choice to play the opening Test but it will depend on skipper Virat Kohli, head coach Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharath Arun," he added. Indian captain Virat Kohli didn't hide his disappointment when it came to Nadeem's performance during the post-match presentation where he said that he and Washington Sundar couldn't keep up the pressure that was created by Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin. Kohli vs Tendulkar: Panesar’s suggestion to rename India vs … [Read more...] about India vs England: Fit Axar back in nets, Nadeem set to be dropped; 2nd Test pitch might offer more turn

With a sensation 10-wicket win over England in the day-night third Test at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad – India knocked England out of contention from the ICC World Test Championship final in June. The win also propelled India to the top of World Test Championship standings. Courtesy the win, Kohli’s men have further strengthened their grip in the World Test Championship points table with a better percentage of 71 and 490 points in 16 matches. Meanwhile, England, who are now 2-1 down in the four-match series, are out of the race for a place in the final of the ICC World Test Championship after losing the third Test in Ahmedabad. Joe Root and Co. needed to win the four-match series 3-1 versus India to play the June 18-22 final. New Zealand are assured of a place in the final with 70 percentage points. What India Need to do to Qualify for ICC WTC Final? India now have to either win or draw the fourth and final Test against England, starting March 4 in Ahmedabad to claim … [Read more...] about ICC World Test Championship 2021: Here’s What Virat Kohli-Led Team India Needs to do Qualify For Final

England head coach Eddie Jones has made five changes to his starting XV to face Italy in the Six Nations, the headline of which sees George Ford back at 10 and Owen Farrell moved to centre. The other changes all come in the forward pack as the front-row is completely changed with props Mako Vunipola and Kyle Sinckler coming straight in to start after returning to the squad this week, while Exeter Chiefs hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie replaces Jamie George for his first ever Six Nations start. The final change sees Northampton forward Courtney Lawes start at blindside flanker, with Newcastle's Mark Wilson dropped from the squad entirely. With skipper Farrell shifted to the 12 shirt, Worcester centre Ollie Lawrence is also dropped from the squad, despite only receiving one pass in the entire 80 minutes as England lost at home to Scotland for the first time since 1983 last week. The rest of the back-line is unchanged with a back-three of Elliot Daly, Anthony Watson and Jonny … [Read more...] about George Ford, Kyle Sinckler start for England vs Italy; Owen Farrell at centre for Six Nations clash

Eddie Jones has made two changes to his starting XV to face Wales in Cardiff on Saturday in the Six Nations, as hooker Jamie George and back-row Mark Wilson return to start. George replaces Exeter's Luke Cowan-Dickie in the front row, with the latter dropping down to the bench, while Wilson is restored to the squad - having missed out altogether against Italy - as a result of an injury picked up by Courtney Lawes in training on Wednesday. Among the replacements, uncapped 19-year-old Leicester Tigers forward George Martin is in line for his Test debut, while Jones has again gone with a six-two split of forwards to backs. "Wales is a really special fixture and rivalry. There is a long history between the two nations and the game means a lot to both countries," head coach Jones said. "We know we'll be up against a strong Welsh challenge on Saturday, but we've worked really hard in training this week and have got a very good team to face it. "We want to show people what we … [Read more...] about Jamie George, Mark Wilson return for England for Wales clash; Courtney Lawes injured