India crush South Africa, lead proceedings in World Test Championship
What's the story
The Indian cricket team is the best in Tests for a while now and there's a reason why Virat Kohli's side has dominated the show. In the first Test against South Africa, India enjoyed a stellar 203-run victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. It was an all-round show by India, who extended their lead in the ICC World Test Championship.
Points
India have 160 points in the ICC World Test Championship
This was India's third successive victory in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship 2019-21. Prior to this victory, India had beaten West Indies 2-0 at their own backyard to start with the proceedings. They had earned 120 points on offer back then. In this Test, 40 points were up for the taking and India have now extended their tally to 160 in total.
Teams
World Test Championship: How do the other teams fare?
New Zealand and Sri Lanka take the next two positions with 60 points each after the 1-1 series draw in August 2019. Meanwhile, Australia and England managed to draw the five-match Ashes 2019 series 2-2. The two teams round off the top five with 56 points each under their bag. The likes of South Africa, Windies and Bangladesh haven't yet opened their accounts.
Kohli views
It's all about the attitude, says Kohli after India's victory
Indian captain Virat Kohli praised the side's attitude post the win. "It's all about the attitude. If fast bowlers are going to think that spinners are going to do all the work, then it doesn't justify their place. They ask for shorter spells so they can give 100%. It's all about wanting to play for the team even in conditions that are difficult."
India vs SA
How did the India vs SA match pan out?
India posted 502/7 in the first innings after two majestic innings from Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal. The visitors replied by scoring 431/10. Dean Elgar (160) and Quinton de Kock (111) were the stars. R Ashwin claimed seven scalps. India then rode on another fine century from Rohit to declare at 323/4. SA, who were in for a Herculean task, faltered easily.