England blow India off the Bridge
The hosts defeated the reigning number one team by 319 runs to take an unbeatable lead in the four-match series.
Here in Nottingham, the commentators have already started talking of a whitewash. After their 319-run defeat against England in the second Test at Trent Bridge, India have the unenviable task of not only saving the series but also the No 1 ranking. Monday’s defeat was India’s biggest loss to England and the sixth biggest ever in terms of runs.
Indian skipper MS Dhoni said the series was not lost yet and hinted that the team was capable of winning the remaining two Tests to draw the series. Practically, however, India will have to win at least one Test and draw the other to avoid the ignominy of surrendering the No 1 ranking to England.
But that could be a tough ask for a team plagued by injuries to key players. Without Zaheer Khan and Virender Sehwag, whose participation in the remaining
Tests is doubtful, India will find it difficult to make a match of the series. England have been irresistible in the bowling and rampaging in their batting. India have come a poor second in both the Tests.