England become world number one at Edgbaston

England have become the number one Test side in the world after crushing India by an innings and 242 runs in the third Test at Edgbaston, which ended on 13 August.

The victory gives England an unassailable 3-0 lead in the four-match series and takes them to the top of the world rankings, replacing India.

Cook's marathon

The foundation for the win was a huge innings from Alastair Cook, who batted for two whole days to make 294, the sixth-highest score by an England batsman in Test cricket. England piled up 710 for seven before declaring, a lead of almost 500.

India had earlier been put in to bat and were reduced to 111 for seven on the first day before recovering to 224 all out. In their second innings, they fared little better and were bowled out again.

A bad match for India

It was a miserable game for India's star batsmen. Virender Sehwag was dismissed first ball in both innings, a so-called king pair. Sachin Tendulkar, chasing his 100th international century, was run out for 40 in the second innings when a shot from MS Dhoni was deflected on to the stumps at the non-striker's end by bowler Graeme Swann.

A remarkable rise

England's rise to the top of the rankings caps a remarkable period for the team under captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower. Last winter, they retained the Ashes in Australia, winning a series there for the first time in 24 years. They have now beaten the world champions India convincingly in each of the first three Tests.

A troubled week

The match was played during a difficult week for Birmingham and other English cities, after rioting and looting broke out in several areas earlier in the week. The cricket went ahead as planned.

A new Edgbaston

This was the first Test match at the redeveloped Edgbaston, where a new pavilion and stands have been built as part of a major redevelopment of the ground. The new facilities were officially opened by the Duke of Edinburgh last month.

The redevelopment has increased the ground's capacity and improved facilities for spectators, players and the media, helping to secure its future as one of the country's leading international venues.

The final Test

The series moves to The Oval for the fourth and final Test next week, where England will aim to complete a 4-0 whitewash. India, who arrived as the top-ranked side in the world, will be desperate to avoid another defeat.

For England supporters, it is a moment to savour. It is the first time England have been ranked the best Test team in the world since the current rankings system was introduced.