ICC praises “clinical” England team after India sweep

Wednesday, 24 August 2011 00:33 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

London (ANI): International Cricket Council (ICC) chief executive Haroon Lorgat has praised the “clinical” England team after presenting captain Andrew Strauss with the global governing body’s trademark for the world’s top Test side following the hosts’ 4-0 rout of India.

England underlined their newly-acquired status at the top of the ICC’s Test rankings with an innings and eight-run win over former number one team India at The Oval in Kennington on Monday.

“I know England were determined to be number-one and through careful planning and a series of clinical performances, they have deservedly achieved their goal,” The Age quoted Lorgat as saying after the conclusion of the fourth and final Test.

“They were clearly the most consistent side in the world over the past few years as evidenced by their determination to complete their series victory here at The Oval. It was a privilege to be here at The Oval to join a full house to watch another riveting day of Test match cricket,” he added.

England is the fourth team after Australia, South Africa and India to achieve the number-one position in the Test rankings table.

They had already secured top spot after taking an unbeatable 3-0 lead with an innings and 242 run victory against India in the third Test at Edgbaston. However, the victory at The Oval extended their advantage and also dropped India into third place on 117 ratings points, behind second-placed South Africa.

The Test table will next be updated at the end of the Sri Lanka-Australia series which starts in Galle on August 31.