On This Day: India Crushed England by 434 Runs in Historic Rajkot Test Win (2024)
On this day in 2024, Indian cricket etched one of its most dominant chapters in Test history, crushing England by a staggering 434 runs in Rajkot, the largest victory by runs ever recorded by India in the longest format. The win was not just about numbers; it was a statement against England’s aggressive “Bazball” philosophy and a celebration of individual brilliance and historic milestones.
After posting a commanding first-innings total of 445, India appeared to be in control. Yet England, under the influence of their high-risk, high-reward approach, responded in thrilling fashion. Openers came out swinging, and Ben Duckett epitomised the Bazball ethos with a breathtaking 150 off just 151 balls. England raced to 224 for 2 in just 40 overs, scoring at over five runs an over and threatening to flip the script.
But Test cricket rewards patience and depth. Once the early momentum faded, England’s middle order faltered. India clawed back, conceding a lead but keeping the deficit manageable. What followed in India’s second innings was a counterattack that matched and exceeded England’s tempo.
After posting a commanding first-innings total of 445, India appeared to be in control. Yet England, under the influence of their high-risk, high-reward approach, responded in thrilling fashion. Openers came out swinging, and Ben Duckett epitomised the Bazball ethos with a breathtaking 150 off just 151 balls. England raced to 224 for 2 in just 40 overs, scoring at over five runs an over and threatening to flip the script.
But Test cricket rewards patience and depth. Once the early momentum faded, England’s middle order faltered. India clawed back, conceding a lead but keeping the deficit manageable. What followed in India’s second innings was a counterattack that matched and exceeded England’s tempo.
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