In a remarkable display of aggressive intent on the cricket field, India shattered multiple records during an exciting day of Test cricket in Kanpur. After enduring two frustratingly rain-affected days, the home team seized control of the match, drastically altering the pace of play.
India’s batsmen were in scintillating form, achieving a series of record-breaking feats with their convert aggression into run-making. India registered a monumental landmark by becoming the first team in the history of Test cricket to reach 50 runs inside the first three overs of an innings. The record was previously held by England, who achieved the feat off 4.2 overs twice during their recent Test series against the West Indies. By reaching 50 runs in merely 2.6 overs, India not only set a new precedent but also laid a strong foundation for their innings.
As the innings progressed, India continued to break records in quick succession. They reached the 100-run milestone in only 10.1 overs, followed by 150 in 18.2 overs, 200 in 24.2 overs, and 250 in 30.1 overs. This remarkable scoring rate underscored the team’s intent to dominate the game.
Adding to their incredible record in 2024, India has smashed a jaw-dropping total of 96 sixes in Test matches, setting a new record for the most sixes by any team in a calendar year. This astonishing tally surpasses England’s previous record of 89 sixes achieved in 2022. Intriguingly, India’s previous mark stood at 87 sixes in 2021, illustrating their sustained prowess in big hitting. With the second innings of the ongoing Kanpur Test and several more matches remaining in the year, India is expected to further add to this record.
In terms of overall scoring rate, India achieved a remarkable average of 8.22 during their batting innings, the highest ever recorded by a team scoring 200 or more in an innings. This surpassed the previous highest scoring rate of 7.
.53 set by Australia in Sydney against Pakistan in 2017. Furthermore, the highest test innings scoring rate achieved by a team before was 6.80, set by South Africa against Zimbabwe in Cape Town in 2005.
The opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal was another highlight, as their partnership achieved a scoring rate of 14.34, setting a new benchmark for a 50+ stand in Test cricket where detailed data is available. This surpassed the previous best of 11.86 achieved by Ben Stokes and Ben Duckett against the West Indies at Edgbaston.
Moreover, this innings marked the second instance of two Indian batters reaching their half-century in 35 balls or fewer in the same innings. Jaiswal reached his 50 in just 31 balls, while KL Rahul followed closely in 33 balls. Previously, in Port of Spain against the West Indies, Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan had achieved a similar feat. Jaiswal’s quickfire innings is noted as the second fastest by an Indian on home soil, narrowly missing Rishabh Pant’s previous record against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru in 2022.
The day witnessed an unusual flurry of runs, with a cumulative total of 437 runs being scored by both teams, making it the second-highest in a single day’s play on Indian soil. This extravagant run tally was complemented by an equally staggering 18 wickets falling throughout the day, a testament to the intense competitiveness of the match.
Among the outstanding individual achievements, Ravindra Jadeja reached a personal milestone by becoming only the seventh Indian bowler to take 300 wickets in Test cricket. At 35 years and 299 days, he became the oldest among those who have reached this milestone for India. He achieved this feat in 74 Tests, making him the second quickest to complete the double of 3000+ runs and 300+ wickets, trailing only behind the legendary Ian Botham.
In an interesting subplot, Mominul Haque of Bangladesh, who was averaging just 12.00 in eight innings in India, finally turned his fortunes around by scoring an unbeaten 107, marking his maiden century on Indian soil. This surpassed the previous lowest average record of 12.29 held by Ricky Ponting before his maiden century in India.
This extraordinary day’s play not only witnessed personal and team achievements but also underscored India’s aggressive approach and intent to redefine Test cricket dynamics.