James Anderson and Jack Leach were the stars on the final day as England claimed a stunning victory in Chennai to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series against India.
Anderson (3-17) and Leach (4-76) caused much of the damage to inflict defeat on the Virat Kohli’s men for the first time in a Test Match on home soil since Alistair Cook also led England to a Test victory in 2008.
The Asian side made a fine start, reaching 58-1 in the 19th over before Anderson showed his class, dismissing Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane in the same over, shortly before removing Rishabh Pant.
Leach was also key and picked up the vital wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara and also got the scalp of spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who shared a fifty partnership with captain Kohli.
The win was sealed midway through the second session with Jofra Archer dismissing the final man Jasprit Bumrah to help his side secure a 227 run victory in the series opener.
As a result, Joe Root’s men have now moved to the top of the World Test Championship, but face tough task to qualify for the final, needing to win either 3-0, 3-1 or 4-0 to reach this summer’s final.
Root has also moved level with former England captain Michael Vaughan in terms of wins as Test captain, with the pair now on 26 victories when leading the side.
The second match of the four-game series will commence on Saturday, also in Chennai as England look to back up this weeks victory at the same ground.
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