Alastair Cook and team end Test series in successful fashion (©GettyImages). England completed a resounding innings and 244-run victory inside just three days, against India at The Oval, to clinch a 3-1 series win.
England had ended day two in a commanding position on 385-7, a lead of 237 over a wilting Indian side, as they looked to win their third straight Test.
During the morning session on day three England continued their dominance as they took the game to an Indian side who looked to be already planning their trip home.
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In the first hour of the session England's remaining batsmen destroyed the Indian bowlers. Joe Root was the main protagonist as he hit an unbeaten 149 and was seemingly hitting the ball to all parts of the ground at will. He was supported well by Stuart Broad who hit a sparkling 37 from just 21 balls and looked to show no Ill affects from the blow to his face in the previous Test.
Huge deficit to chase
England were eventually bowled out for 486, a lead of 338 and had added 101 runs in just over 11 overs in the session.
England's morning assault allowed them an opportunity to heap further pressure on India with a quick burst from new ball bowlers Anderson and Broad before lunch. This proved to be very affective as the new ball bowlers reduced India to 9-2 at lunch as they suffered a pre-lunch working over.
Wickets tumbling
The afternoon session proved little better for the tourists as they lost wicket after wicket and looked as though they were quite happy to surrender the Test inside three days. It was another procession of Indian batsmen to and from the pavilion as England's bowlers totally dominated.
At no point did India look as though they could take the game into day four as they slumped to 94 all out with only three batsmen reaching double figures.
Jimmy three from history
England's bowlers took advantage of India's lack of confidence. Jimmy Anderson (2-16) took another two wickets as he moved within three wickets of Ian Botham's English Test record of 383 and Chris Jordan (4-18) helped himself to four wickets as he blew away the lower order. Broad and Chris Woakes also took a wicket each.
England's catching was also first-class, the highlight a stunning one-handed catch from Gary Ballance at slip to dismiss Rahane.
Awful India
India have been woeful in the latter part of this Test series and will probably be happy to return to the white ball format of the game as they begin to prepare to the upcoming ODIs. India's triumph over England at Lords now looks to have been more of a fluke and probably a greater reflection on England's poor performances earlier in the summer than India setting the world alight.
England have seemingly come a long way in the last three Test matches and the increase in confidence is obvious. The only shame for Alastair Cook and his team is that they have a long time to wait until their next Test match.
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