The England-India series was billed as a collosal battle between two elite sides - but only one has turned up. Andrew Strauss' England side has trampled the Indians into the ground over the first three Tests, sweeping into a 3-0 lead and replacing their opponents as the number one Test team in world cricket. We are running out of words to describe the hosts' dominance and India's woes.
The Indians have struggled from the start, suffering from poor preparation and failing to adjust to the conditions. At Edgbaston, the trend of the series continued. England's bowlers made the pitch look dangerous with movement and clever game plans before their batsmen provided a reminder that, with patience and shot selection, a huge total was possible.
After the hosts bowled India out for 244 on day one, Alastair Cook led from the front with 294, helping England declare on 710-7. James Anderson then did the early damage with the ball as India again fell short of the 300 mark, slumping to defeat by an innings and 242 runs. It is telling that Cook's gritty knock of 294 is higher than India's best effort in the series (288).
Apart from Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who made two counter-attacking fifties, the Indian bats were embarrassingly subdued. Virender Sehwag bagged a king pair, Suresh Raina's confidence has been severely dented and even Sachin Tendulkar is short of runs. Their body language suggests that a 4-0 whitewash is a good bet.
As for England, this victory brings the reward of top spot in the Test rankings, a thoroughly deserved prize for all the graft. Andy Flower has done an exceptional job and his players have clearly relished his approach. There is strength in depth, as shown by Tim Bresnan's superb all-round contributions in place of Chris Tremlett, and the bowling attack looks very nicely balanced.
Big tests await, with trips to Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the New Year and the visit of South Africa next summer, but for now, England can celebrate being the world's best Test side.
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