Why India were the best Test cricket team in 2021 despite losing WTC final - IN PICS

India started off the year with a terrific win at Gabba.  India beat Aussies in the fourth Test to claim the series. Then Australian captain Tim Paine had sledged R Ashwin in the previous match at Sydney, warning him to be ready for a loss at Brisbane's Gabba stadium where Australians had never lost a cricket match in 28 years. However, India beat Australia, after chasing over 300 runs on the last day of the Test to take series 2-1. (Source: Twitter)

Coming to the second Test after a draw in first Test at Nottingham, India beat England at Lord's by a massive 151-run margin. India's relentless bowling attack was too good for England who were bundled out for 120 in the second innings, chasing a mammoth total. It showed quality of India's bowling. (Source: Twitter)

England came back to win the third Test of the series at home against India after drubbing at Lord's. But soon things changed for good for India, they beat England at the Oval by 157 runs to get a 2-1 lead. This was India's first win at the venue. Unfortunately, the fifth Test was postponed due to COVID outbreak in the Indian camp. The last Test has been rescheduled for the year 2022. (Source: Twitter)

Not to forget, in between, England came visiting India as well and lost the series 3-1. They started off well with a win in first Test at Chennai. But that was that. India showed why they are a tough opponents at home, and beat Joe Root and Co in next three matches to continue their home domination. Though the win came at home, it cannot be ignored looking at how well the team has done this year in Tests. (Source: Twitter)

And then at Centurion, in their last Test of 2021, Virat Kohli and Co breached another fortress. It all started with Gabba, and finished with Centurion. India had never won a Test at Centurion but that is something of the past now. (Source: Twitter)