Sport

Black Caps to play India in test championship final

05:38 am on 7 March 2021

New Zealand will play India in the final of cricket's test championship at Lord's in London in June.

The Black Caps opponents were confirmed with India trouncing England by an innings and 25 runs inside three days in the fourth and final test to complete a 3-1 series victory in Ahmedabad.

It was India's 13th consecutive test series victory at home.

Having conceded a first-innings lead of 160, England needed a vastly improved batting performance in their bid to level the series.

But their frailties against spin bowling were laid bare again as England folded to be all out for 135 with more than two days to spare in the match.

India's spin duo of Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin wreaked havoc, taking all 10 wickets between them.

Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin had a leading hand in his side's fourth test win. Photo: Photosport

Dan Lawrence was England's highest scorer in the second innings with 50 runs.

Earlier, Washington Sundar was left stranded on 96 not out as India posted 365 in reply to England's below-par 205 in the first innings.

"The comeback (after losing the opening test) pleased me the most," Virat Kohli said after leading India to their third consecutive victory in the series.

"The first game was a bit of an aberration, just a hiccup, when England outplayed us."

"You're obviously happy when you're winning so many series but there are always things to improve, like after the first game in Chennai we had to pick up our body language."

England captain Joe Root lamented his side's performances.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

"The last three games have been testing for us and we haven't been able to match India,"

"We've got a huge year of test cricket ahead of us and it's really important we become a better side for this experience and keep looking to evolve and move forward."

The two sides now play three match one day series and a five game T20 series.

-Reuters