A comprehensive performance with the bat as well as with the ball has had many back England's bid for the top-spot. A victory by an innings and 242 runs would now silence even the most, if any at all, critics of Andrew Strauss' men. "This achievement is just reward for the hard work from all the players and team management and they no doubt will celebrate being on top of the world," said Haroon Lorgat, ICC Chief Executive, in a release after the match.
From a win against Australia in the Ashes at the beginning of this year, to a series win versus Sri Lanka, England have been relentless in their quest in Tests, for being recognised as a formidable outfit. That Andy Flower's contract was renewed by the English Cricket Board also shows that the support-staff has been taking all the right steps to mould the team into a strong side that it has proven itself to be.