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.
At the heart of it was 22-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young opener produced an innings for the ages, smashing 214 runs and equalling the fastest scoring rates England had set earlier. His knock included a world-record 12 sixes in a Test innings, underlining the evolution of modern red-ball batting. It was his second double century of the series, confirming his arrival as a generational talent.
Jaiswal’s 172-run partnership with debutant Sarfaraz Khan came at a remarkable strike rate of over 6.5 runs an over. Sarfaraz, in his maiden Test, contributed two half-centuries in the match, showcasing composure and attacking flair. Together, they turned the game decisively in India’s favour and set England an improbable target.
The chase quickly became a nightmare for the visitors. England crumbled to 50 for 7 in under 25 overs, undone by relentless spin and pressure. Ravindra Jadeja was the chief architect of the collapse, claiming 5 for 41 in a clinical display of left-arm spin. The innings folded swiftly, sealing a 434-run defeat, England’s heaviest by runs in nearly a century.
The match was also historic for Ravichandran Ashwin, who became only the second Indian after Anil Kumble to reach 500 Test wickets. Remarkably, he was also the second-fastest in Test history to the milestone, further cementing his legacy among the greats of the game.
This Rajkot Test will be remembered not only for its margin but for its symbolism, a clash of philosophies where Bazball bravado met India’s depth, resilience, and firepower. On this day, dominance was not just asserted; it was redefined.
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.
At the heart of it was 22-year-old Yashasvi Jaiswal. The young opener produced an innings for the ages, smashing 214 runs and equalling the fastest scoring rates England had set earlier. His knock included a world-record 12 sixes in a Test innings, underlining the evolution of modern red-ball batting. It was his second double century of the series, confirming his arrival as a generational talent.
Jaiswal’s 172-run partnership with debutant Sarfaraz Khan came at a remarkable strike rate of over 6.5 runs an over. Sarfaraz, in his maiden Test, contributed two half-centuries in the match, showcasing composure and attacking flair. Together, they turned the game decisively in India’s favour and set England an improbable target.
The chase quickly became a nightmare for the visitors. England crumbled to 50 for 7 in under 25 overs, undone by relentless spin and pressure. Ravindra Jadeja was the chief architect of the collapse, claiming 5 for 41 in a clinical display of left-arm spin. The innings folded swiftly, sealing a 434-run defeat, England’s heaviest by runs in nearly a century.
The match was also historic for Ravichandran Ashwin, who became only the second Indian after Anil Kumble to reach 500 Test wickets. Remarkably, he was also the second-fastest in Test history to the milestone, further cementing his legacy among the greats of the game.
This Rajkot Test will be remembered not only for its margin but for its symbolism, a clash of philosophies where Bazball bravado met India’s depth, resilience, and firepower. On this day, dominance was not just asserted; it was redefined.
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