Top 10 Unexpected Centuries in India vs England Test

When it comes to cricketing rivalries, few match the historic intensity of India vs England Test. With nearly a century of battles on spin-friendly dustbowls and green seamers, this storied rivalry has witnessed iconic performances from legends on both sides. However, not every century is anticipated, and some innings leave fans and pundits equally astonished.

In this article, we delve deep into the Top 10 Unexpected Centuries in India vs England Test, those shock knocks from unlikely heroes who defied form, expectation, and conditions. Whether it was a tailender scripting history, a struggling batter rediscovering their touch, or a debutant announcing themselves in style, these centuries were far from routine. Let’s revisit these surprises that added new layers to this classic rivalry.

10. Ben Foakes’ Century on Debut at Chennai, 2021

Making a debut in India is as tough as it gets, especially for a wicketkeeper. But Ben Foakes defied the odds with a composed century in Chennai. His technique and temperament were lauded, and the knock firmly registered among the most unexpected centuries in India vs England Tests.

Statistics Table:

Player	Match	Venue	Year	Score	Balls	Fours	Outcome
Ben Foakes	1st Test	Chennai	2021	107	202	13	England won

9. Nayan Mongia’s Patient 152 at Delhi, 1996

Nayan Mongia was India’s wicketkeeper and was not expected to score big, let alone 150+. But against England at Feroz Shah Kotla, he soaked up the pressure and unleashed an unexpected gem. This marathon knock remains one of the most unexpected centuries in India vs England Tests.

Statistics Table:

Player	Match	Venue	Year	Score	Balls	Fours	Outcome
Nayan Mongia	1st Test	Delhi	1996	152	366	18	India won

8. Chris Woakes’ 137 at Lord’s, 2018

England were wobbling again when Chris Woakes walked in at Lord’s. What followed was sheer disbelief, a smooth, unbeaten 137 that not only steadied England but buried India. For a player not known for big runs, this became one of the most unexpected centuries in India vs England Tests.

Statistics Table:

Player	Match	Venue	Year	Score	Balls	Fours	Outcome
Chris Woakes	2nd Test	Lord’s	2018	137*	177	21	England won

7. Parthiv Patel’s 101 at Mohali, 2006

Making a comeback after years in the wilderness, Parthiv Patel surprised fans with a fluent hundred at Mohali. The diminutive keeper-batter took on the English bowlers with confidence, earning his place among the most unexpected centuries in India vs England Tests.

Statistics Table:

Player	Match	Venue	Year	Score	Balls	Fours	Outcome
Parthiv Patel	1st Test	Mohali	2006	101	165	12	India won

6. Graeme Swann’s 107 at Wankhede, 2012

England was known to struggle against spin in India, but Graeme Swann flipped the script with a shocking century in 2012. Playing as a bowler, few would have imagined him joining the ranks of players with unexpected centuries in India vs England Tests.

Statistics Table:

Player	Match	Venue	Year	Score	Balls	Fours	Outcome
Graeme Swann	2nd Test	Wankhede	2012	107	140	10	England won

5. Manoj Prabhakar’s 120 at Manchester, 1990

Better known for his swing bowling, Manoj Prabhakar stunned everyone with a resolute century at Old Trafford. In an era dominated by bowlers, this knock came completely out of the blue, firmly putting it among the most unexpected centuries in India vs England Tests.

Statistics Table:

Player	Match	Venue	Year	Score	Balls	Fours	Outcome
Manoj Prabhakar	2nd Test	Manchester	1990	120	210	15	Match Drawn

4. Jonny Bairstow’s Bazball Blitz in Edgbaston, 2022

While Bairstow is an aggressive batter, his career has seen peaks and troughs before the Bazball era. Coming into the rescheduled 5th Test in 2022, not many expected fireworks, especially with India piling pressure. Yet Bairstow’s blazing 106 off 140 balls dismantled India’s plans. This fearless knock under pressure earned its spot as one of the most unexpected centuries in India vs England Tests.

Statistics Table:

Player	Match	Venue	Year	Score	Balls	Fours	Sixes	Outcome
Jonny Bairstow	5th Test	Edgbaston	2022	106	140	14	2	England won

3. Ravi Shastri’s 100 at Eden Gardens, 1984

Before becoming India’s head coach and commentator, Ravi Shastri was a reliable all-rounder. Yet few expected him to anchor a century at a turning Eden pitch. Against England in 1984, Shastri’s composed 111 was not flashy but extremely effective, earning its place among the most unexpected centuries in India vs England Tests.

Statistics Table:

Player	Match	Venue	Year	Score	Balls	Fours	Outcome
Ravi Shastri	2nd Test	Eden Gardens	1984	111	230	14	India won

2. Sam Curran’s 100 at The Oval, 2022

Known more for his handy cameos and left-arm swing, Sam Curran shocked everyone with a maiden Test hundred at The Oval in 2022. Coming in with England five down and trailing, Curran stitched crucial partnerships and launched a counterattack that caught India off-guard. His century proved pivotal, showcasing the kind of depth that made England dangerous. It remains one of the most unexpected centuries in India vs England Tests in recent memory.

Statistics Table:

Player	Match	Venue	Year	Score	Balls	Fours	Outcome
Sam Curran	5th Test	The Oval	2022	100	140	12	England won

1. Agarkar’s Gritty 109 at Lord’s, 2002

No one saw it coming, certainly not from Ajit Agarkar, whose prior batting record hardly inspired confidence. But on a cloudy London day in 2002, with India staring down a heavy defeat at Lord’s, Agarkar turned up with a counterattacking hundred that not only stunned England but became one of the most unexpected centuries in India vs England Tests.

Statistics Table:

Player	Match	Venue	Year	Score	Balls	Fours	Outcome
Ajit Agarkar	1st Test	Lord’s	2002	109*	190	16	India lost

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