It left India needing only 77 runs to claim the victory, which they duly knocked off for the loss of only one wicket.

Forced to follow on from the first innings, England captain Alastair Cook lead by example with a fantastic nine-hour innings of 176, ably supported by a battling 91 from the superb Matt Prior.

The pairs superb stand however was not enough, as Trott, Pietersen, Bell and Patel all failed to settle at the crease.

Pragyan Ojha broke England’s resistance claiming the wickets of both Cook and Prior. Bresnan and Swann added 20 and 17 each, leaving India needing just 77 runs to win.

Sehwag was the only Indian batsman to fall, holing out to Kevin Pietersen at long-on from Graeme Swann on 25.

Pujara, looking as unnervingly solid as he did in the first innings, added 41 with Kohli notching up 14 for the victory.

Having failed to perform against Pakistan or South Africa, England’s top order needs to find form urgently if the series is going to be anything other than a white wash.

There will be a big clamour for Monty Panesar to start the second test with England desperately needing to strengthen their spinning attack, as lifeless subcontinent pitches continue to provide England’s seam attack with little to work with.