Saare jahaan se achha, Hindustan hamaara

Kersi Meher-Homji sings after India trounces England by an innings again

What a magnificent series victory for India, 4-0. The last two Tests ”“ at Chennai and Mumbai ”“ were won by innings!

Surprisingly, England lost these Tests after winning the toss and scoring more than 400 runs in the first innings. This is a world first in 139 years of Test history.

And there is more in the incredible Chennai Test. More? After England totalled 477, Karun Nair, playing only his third Test due to the injury to Ajinkya Rahane, scored 303 not out. He became only the second Indian to register a triple century in Tests. The aggressive Virender Sehwag had made 319 against South Africa also at Chennai in 2007-08 and 309 v. Pakistan at Multan in 2003-04.

Opening batsman Lokesh Rahul started India’s run-glut by scoring an elegant 199. Thanks to these two relative newcomers ”“ both from Karnataka, India declared at 7 for 759, her highest total in Test arena.

It appeared that the Test would end in a boring draw when England was 103 for no wicket. Just then Ravindra Jadeja struck. He captured 7 for 48 and England was rolled out for 207 to lose by an innings 75 runs.

For his superb and unbeaten innings of 303, Karun Nair was made Man of the Match just ahead of Jadeja who captured 10 wickets in the match besides hitting an aggressive 51.

Skipper Virat Kohli was adjudged Man of the Series after scoring a mountain of runs; 655 at a century average of 109.16. He hit two centuries (highest score 235) and two fifties.

Ravichandran Ashwin also had strong claims for this award having taken 28 wickets at an average of 30.25 and scoring 306 runs at 43.71.

The magnitude of India’s facile victories over England can never be over emphasised. In the Mumbai Test, Kohli (235 runs) outscored England (195) in the second innings. And in the Chennai Test, Nair (303 not out) outscored England (207) in the second innings.

And all of India’s wins came on good batting pitches. So no opposition can now belittle India’s winning record.

Looking at a broader picture at Test level, India is ranked no. 1, Kohli is ranked no. 2 batsman (marginally behind Australia’s Steven Smith) and Ashwin ranked no. 1 bowler and no. 1 all-rounder.

No wonder I can’t stop singing, “Saare jahan se achha, Hindustan hamaara”

Short URL: https://indiandownunder.com.au/?p=8166