Team India once again displayed why it is one of the top team in Test cricket as it annihilated England 3-1 to win the four-Test series at home and retain the Anthony de Mello Trophy. It was an all-round show form the Indians that has allowed them to attain the feat and seal its place in the final of the 2019-21 ICC World Test Championship, against New Zealand, at Lord's.
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From Rishabh Pant to Ravichandran Ashwin, there were numerous top performers, alongside some shocking ones who rose to fame. In the same light, we look at the best Indian performers across departments in the series.
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BatsmenAs for the batsmen, senior opener Rohit Sharma was on top, scoring 345 runs in seven innings at an average of 57.50, including a ton and a half-century, with a top score of 161. While Virat Kohli did struggle, he managed to develop an average performance. Nonetheless, Cheteshwar Pujara, Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane surprised everyone with their underperformance.Top performers: Rohit
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WicketkeeperUndoubtedly, the only name that fits in the department is Pant. Throughout the series, he was the only guy who was mostly consistent, scoring 270 runs in six innings at an average of 54.00, including a ton and twin half-centuries, with a top score of 101. As for his keeping, being the only wicketkeeper throughout the series, he was involved in 13 dismissals in eight innings, which was the best by any keeper.
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All-roundersThis department had some specific names. Notably, Ashwin mostly nailed it with his off-spins, claiming 32 wickets in the series at an average of 14.71, including three fifers. Among others were Washington Sundar, who was highly effective with the bat, scoring 181 runs in four innings at 90.50, including twin half-centuries. At the same time, Axar Patel nailed it with the ball, claiming 27 wickets in six innings at 10.59, including four five-fors. Overall, all three all-rounders fared relatively well.
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BowlersAmong proper bowlers, there were hardly any performers. Nonetheless, it was pacer Ishant Sharma who manages six wickets in six innings at 26.66. Among others to contribute were Jasprit Bumrah and Shahbaaz Nadeem, claiming four wickets each, while a few others marginally contributed.
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FieldersWhile there were numerous dropped catches in Australia, the side improved it massively in this series, as we can hardly recall any. Overall, Rahane had the safest hands, claiming eight catches in the same number of innings. He was duly supported by Rohit (6) and Kohli (5). Among others were Pujara and Ashwin (two each), and many more.Top performers: Rahane, Rohit and Kohli
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