(Cricket news) Indian cricket team climbed four positions, securing the second spot in the World Test Championships standings. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin combined for six wickets, aiding the hosts in leveling the five-match Test series at 1-1. India’s comprehensive 106-run victory in the second Test sets the stage for an intriguing remainder of the series, with the third Test scheduled in Rajkot starting from February 15.

In a stellar bowling performance, Bumrah claimed 3-46 in 17.2 overs, finishing the match with a total of nine wickets, while Ashwin contributed with 3-72 in 18 overs, orchestrating the dismissal of the chasing England team for 292 runs. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s double century in the first innings and Shubman Gill’s second-innings century were pivotal for India. The win at Vizag not only avenged the first Test defeat in Hyderabad but also propelled the country from the fifth position back to the second spot in the WTC standings.

This victory also narrowed the gap between India and the table-topping Australians in the ICC WTC 2023-25 standings. With a point percentage of 52.77, India now trails Australia, which has a percentage of 55.00. The competition in the top five teams is tight, with only a 5 percent difference in point percentage.

Despite their recent successes, the team has yet to secure a victory in the WTC Final. Despite reaching the final twice, they suffered defeats to New Zealand in 2021 and Australia two years later.

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