In the second Test against the West Indies, Team India finds themselves in a commanding position, needing only eight wickets to secure a victory on the final day. The hosts, on the other hand, face a challenging target of 289 runs to level the series. Throughout the match, the visitors maintained their dominance, and their aggressive approach in the second innings enabled them to set a challenging target for the West Indies.

Mohammed Siraj emerged as the key player for India, as he dismantled the West Indies’ batting lineup in the first innings, taking the last six wickets for just 47 runs and limiting them to 255 runs.

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With a lead of 183 runs, India’s opening duo of Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal launched an onslaught on the West Indies bowling attack. The hosts’ sloppy fielding also aided the Indian openers, as they stitched together a rapid partnership of 98 runs in less than 12 overs. Ishan Kishan, promoted to number four, further accelerated the scoring, smashing a blistering 33-ball fifty. Eventually, Rohit declared the innings at 181/2 in just 24 overs.

In doing so, India set a new record for the highest run rate in an innings in Test cricket, surpassing Australia’s previous record. India’s run rate of 7.54 outperformed Australia’s 7.53, which they achieved against Pakistan in the Sydney Test in 2017.

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England holds the third position in this aspect, with a run rate of 7.36, achieved during their innings against Pakistan in the Rawalpindi Test in 2022, where they scored 264 runs for the loss of seven wickets before declaring. Following them on the list are West Indies and South Africa with run rates of 6.82 and 6.80, respectively.

As the final day approaches, all eyes will be on India’s bowlers to finish off the match and secure a series victory against the West Indies.

Highest team innings run rate in Tests (min. 20 overs)