India completes 317-run win over England in Chennai to level four-Test series at 1-1

India thrashed England by 317 runs in the second Test to level the four-match series 1-1 at Chennai’s M A Chidambaram Stadium.

Chasing a record victory target of 482, England were all out for 164 in their second innings with number nine batsman Moeen Ali their top scorer with a breezy 43.

India’s left-arm spinner Axar Patel (5-60) claimed a five-for in his debut Test.

Spin colleague Ravichandran Ashwin returned 3-53 to finish with a match haul of eight wickets to go with his scintillating century in India’s second innings.

Moeen smashed five sixes, included three in a row off Patel, in his 27-ball blitz before he was the last man dismissed on the penultimate day.

Skipper Joe Root made 33 before falling to Patel in what effectively marked the end of England’s resistance on a turning track.

England had been on the back foot after being skittled for 134 in their first innings.

The third Test, a day-night contest, is set for Ahmedabad from February 24.

Indian win keeps Test Championship final wide open

The comprehensive win not only levels the four-Test series, it leaves open scenarios where any of three sides can take the last remaining spot in this year’s World Test Championship final.

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New Zealand have already qualified for the decider, which will be held at Lord’s from June 18 to 22.

An England win in the second Test would have removed India from contention for the final at Lord’s.

The home side must have a series victory and win at least two Tests to qualify (2-1 or 3-1 series results).

The tourists need to win the series and have at least three Test victories to claim the spot in the final.

This now means that Joe Root’s team must win the third and fourth Tests in Ahmedabad to qualify.

If the series is drawn, or if England takes the series 2-1, then Australia will face the Black Caps in the final.

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Reuters/ABC