Team India witnessed a significant shift in their position on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table following their 28-run defeat against England in the first Test in Hyderabad. Despite dominating portions of the match, India faced a remarkable comeback from England, led by Ollie Pope’s remarkable innings and Tom Hartley’s exceptional seven-wicket haul.
As a consequence of this loss, India has slipped to the fifth position in the WTC points table. With just two wins from five matches and a percentage (PCT) of 43.33, the team now finds itself behind South Africa, New Zealand, and Bangladesh. Australia, despite losing the second Test against the West Indies in Gabba, continues to top the table with a PCT of 55.
Debutant spinner Tom Hartley played a pivotal role in England’s victory, securing seven wickets and contributing significantly to India’s downfall in the final over of an extended third session on the fourth day in Hyderabad. England’s skipper Ben Stokes hailed the win as their “greatest victory” since he took over the captaincy.
In pursuit of a target of 231, India’s batting lineup crumbled, and they were bowled out for 202. Hartley’s left-arm spin proved to be a potent weapon as he dismissed Mohammed Siraj, prompting jubilation among the England players.
Ollie Pope’s standout performance with a score of 196 played a crucial role in England’s comeback, helping them secure a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Hartley, who achieved a five-wicket haul in the match, finished with impressive figures of 7-62, contributing to his overall tally of nine wickets.
Also Read: IPL 2024: 7 Reasons Why Indian Premier League Reigns Supreme in T20 Cricket
The dramatic turn of events left Hartley in disbelief, and he remarked that the victory was “unbelievable” and that it would take some time for the reality to sink in.
India entered the highly anticipated contest as favorites on their home turf, boasting an unbeaten Test series record since 2012. However, England’s determined performance has not only handed them a crucial early lead in the series but has also reshaped the WTC standings for India.
