The Test cricket rivalry between India and England isn’t just a clash between bat and ball; it’s a compelling narrative of shifting eras, evolving team dynamics, and iconic moments etched into the fabric of the game. Dating back to 1932 when India made its Test debut at Lord’s, this storied rivalry has grown to become one of the sport’s most enthralling fixtures.
From the dusty pitches of Chennai to the green tops of Lord’s, both nations have delivered magical Test matches filled with breathtaking performances, unexpected twists, and pure cricketing theatre. Some matches have tested patience and perseverance, others exploded with pace, spin, and class. These five unforgettable encounters stand as milestones in this illustrious contest, where reputations were made, hearts were broken, and history was written.
5. India vs England – Chennai Test, 2021
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Dates: February 13–17, 2021
Result: India won by 317 runs
After a shock defeat in the first Test of the 2021 series, India stormed back in the second with a dominating performance on a sharply turning Chennai pitch.
Batting first, Rohit Sharma played a masterful knock of 161, combining aggression with technique. India posted 329. England collapsed for just 134, with Ravichandran Ashwin claiming 5 wickets and Axar Patel making a brilliant debut.
In the second innings, Ashwin turned batsman, scoring a glorious 106 to silence critics of the pitch. England had no answers in the fourth innings and were bowled out for 164. The spin twins Axar and Ashwin ripped through the batting, and India sealed a massive 317-run win.
Match Summary:
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Top Performers (Bat) | Top Performers (Ball) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 329 | 286 | Rohit (161), Ashwin (106) | Ashwin (5/43 & 3/52), Axar (5/60) |
| England | 134 | 164 | Moeen Ali (43) | Moeen (4/98), Leach (4/100) |
4. India vs England – Nottingham Test, 2021
Venue: Trent Bridge, Nottingham
Dates: August 4–8, 2021
Result: Match Drawn
The opening Test of the 2021 series turned into a nerve-jangling contest thanks to Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery brilliance, Joe Root’s resilience, and a frustrating downpour on Day 5 that left fans longing for more.
England were bowled out for 183 in the first innings with Bumrah striking four times. India responded confidently with KL Rahul’s composed 84 and a handy 33* from Jadeja. England posted 303 in the second innings, with Root scoring a classy 109.
India were set a chase of 209 and ended Day 4 at 52/1. With momentum on their side, India looked poised for victory. But persistent rain on the final day meant the game ended in a draw. Still, the aggressive body language, Bumrah’s 9 wickets, and the growing tension marked this match as a tone-setter for the series.
Match Summary:
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Top Performers (Bat) | Top Performers (Ball) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 183 | 303 | Root (109) | Robinson (5/85), Anderson (2/55) |
| India | 278 | 52/1 (target 209) | Rahul (84), Jadeja (56) | Bumrah (4/46 & 5/64) |
3. India vs England – Kolkata Test, 1972-73
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Dates: January 5–10, 1973
Result: India won by 28 runs
This match stands as a classic representation of India’s spin dominance in the 1970s. A low-scoring thriller, the match saw Bedi, Prasanna, Chandrasekhar, and Venkataraghavan at their absolute best.
India managed a modest 210 in the first innings, with Viswanath’s 52 being the top score. England responded with 174 but kept the match tight. India then collapsed for 155 in the second innings, setting England just 192 to win.
However, England found no escape from India’s web of spin. Bishan Singh Bedi and Prasanna suffocated the English batting with turn, flight, and guile. Tony Greig resisted with a fighting 67, but the rest crumbled. England folded for 163, giving India one of their grittiest home wins.
Match Summary:
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Top Performers (Bat) | Top Performers (Ball) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 210 | 155 | Viswanath (52) | Prasanna (4/60), Bedi (3/45) |
| England | 174 | 163 | Greig (67) | Underwood (5/50) |
2. India vs England – Lord’s Test, 2014
Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
Dates: July 17–21, 2014
Result: India won by 95 runs
Lord’s, the hallowed home of cricket, had long remained unconquered terrain for India since 1986. But that changed in 2014, when India turned the tables with one of their finest overseas performances.
India batted first and posted 295, driven by a masterclass from Ajinkya Rahane, who struck a sublime 103 under overcast skies. England responded with 319, bolstered by Gary Ballance’s century.
In the second innings, Murali Vijay and Ravindra Jadeja propelled India to 342, setting England 319 for victory. Then came Ishant Sharma’s rampage. On a lively Day 5 wicket, Ishant unleashed a barrage of short-pitched bowling, a tactic requested from MS Dhoni at the last moment. It worked wonders. He decimated England’s middle order, finishing with 7 for 74 in one of the greatest spells ever by an Indian pacer in England. The victory ended a 28-year drought at Lord’s and announced a new era in India’s overseas approach.
Match Summary:
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Top Performers (Bat) | Top Performers (Ball) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | 295 | 342 | Rahane (103), Jadeja (68) | Ishant (7/74) |
| England | 319 | 223 | Ballance (110), Root (66) | Anderson (4/60), Broad (3/65) |
1. India vs England – Chennai Test, 2008
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Dates: December 11–15, 2008
Result: India won by 6 wickets
Only weeks after the devastating 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, cricket returned to India as a symbol of resilience and unity. The English team had gone back home after the attacks but returned to play the Test series. The first match in Chennai wasn’t just a game; it was an emotional catharsis.
England posted 316 in the first innings, thanks to a gritty century from Andrew Strauss. In reply, India stumbled to 241 despite a fighting 53 from MS Dhoni. Strauss again tormented India with another century in the second innings, setting India a daunting target of 387 on a deteriorating Day 4 pitch.
Then came Virender Sehwag, who launched a blitzkrieg, scoring 83 off just 68 balls. His assault gave India momentum. The real anchor, however, was Sachin Tendulkar, whose unbeaten 103 was not just a knock; it was an ode to the country. He stitched a magnificent partnership with Yuvraj Singh, guiding India to a record-breaking fourth innings chase and dedicating the win to the victims of the terror attack.
Match Summary:
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings | Top Performers (Bat) | Top Performers (Ball) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 316 | 311 | Strauss (123, 108) | Swann (2/114) |
| India | 241 | 387/4 | Sehwag (83), Tendulkar (103*) | Zaheer (3/72), Harbhajan (3/96) |
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