England thrashed India by seven wickets to take 2-1 lead
England thrashed India by seven wickets in the third Test in Kolkata to take an assailable 2-1 lead in the four-match series.
Chasing down the diminutive target of 41, England lost first innings centurion Alastair Cook (1), Jonathan Trott (3), and Kevin Pietersen (0) in quick-succession but Ian Bell’s unbeaten run-a-ball 28 ensured English victory in the morning session of final day.
The jubilations of memorable win were sparked in England dressing room when Bell lofted towards a single off spinner Ravichandran Ashwin
Indian defeat was written on wall when they slumped to 159-8 in purist of England’s first innings 211-run lead on the penultimate day, but Ashwin elongated tourists’ victory march with an unbeaten 91.
Resuming the innings 239-9, the hosts could manage to add just eight runs in their overnight score. Pace duo James Anderson and Steven Finn claimed two wickets apiece while off-spinner Graeme Swann two wickets.
England had won the second Test in Mumbai by 10 wickets after India registered a nine-wicket in Ahmedabad in series-opener.
