Greatest IND vs ENG Test Series Ever Played

ICE CRIC
Jun 24
5 min read

The India vs England Test rivalry is among the richest in cricket history. Dating back to 1932, when India made their Test debut at Lord’s, the two cricketing powerhouses have clashed in more than 130 Tests across various eras, from the dominance of spin to the era of fast bowlers and fearless batters. While each series carries its own flavor, some have stood out more than others for their drama, quality of cricket, and unforgettable moments.

In this blog, we explore the greatest IND vs ENG Test series ever played, revisiting iconic contests that have shaped the legacy of this historic rivalry.

1. India Tour of England, 1971 – A Historic Breakthrough

Series result: India won 1-0 (3 Tests)Key players: Ajit Wadekar, Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, Dilip Sardesai

India’s 1971 tour of England is widely regarded as one of the greatest IND vs ENG Test series ever played. It marked India’s first-ever series win in England, a historic achievement that changed the nation’s cricketing image globally.

The turning point came in the third Test at The Oval, where leg-spinner Bhagwat Chandrasekhar produced a magical spell of 6/38 to help India register a famous four-wicket win. Ajit Wadekar’s captaincy and Dilip Sardesai’s gritty batting were crucial throughout the series. This series gave Indian cricket the belief that it could win abroad.

2. England Tour of India, 1984-85 – Triumph Amid Tragedy

Series result: England won 2-1 (5 Tests)Key players: David Gower, Neil Foster, Graeme Fowler

The 1984-85 series had a unique emotional undertone. The tour coincided with the assassination of Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, casting a shadow over the matches. Despite the tense backdrop, the cricket remained fiercely competitive.

England’s captain David Gower led from the front with stylish centuries, and pacer Neil Foster impressed with the ball. India fought back in the third Test, but England held firm to win the series 2-1. This emotionally charged contest stands out for its resilience and quality cricket in testing times.

3. India Tour of England, 2002 – The Rise of a New Generation

Series result: Drawn 1-1 (4 Tests)Key players: Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, Anil Kumble, Michael Vaughan

The 2002 series signaled a shift in India’s overseas Test performances. Under Sourav Ganguly’s bold leadership, India competed fiercely in English conditions. After a draw at Lord’s and a heavy defeat at Trent Bridge, India bounced back with a memorable win at Headingley.

Dravid (148), Tendulkar (193), and Ganguly (128) posted a mammoth total on a seamer-friendly pitch, and the Indian spinners sealed the win. The final Test at The Oval ended in a draw, resulting in a 1-1 series. This series is remembered as a moment of resurgence and confidence for India abroad.

4. England Tour of India, 2012 – Spin Conquered by Skill

Series result: England won 2-1 (4 Tests)Key players: Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, Graeme Swann, Monty Panesar

After suffering a whitewash in England in 2011, India were expected to dominate on home soil. But what followed was one of the greatest IND vs ENG Test series ever played in India.

Alastair Cook led England with three centuries in the series, while Kevin Pietersen’s 186 in Mumbai remains one of the best-ever knocks by a visiting batter on Indian soil. The spin duo of Swann and Panesar outbowled India’s spinners, handing the hosts a rare home series defeat. It was England’s first Test series win in India since 1984-85.

5. India Tour of England, 2007 – Zaheer Khan’s Redemption

Series result: India won 1-0 (3 Tests)Key players: Zaheer Khan, Anil Kumble, Rahul Dravid

The 2007 tour was filled with drama, resilience, and brilliance. After narrowly surviving a scare in the first Test at Lord’s (thanks to rain), India came out strong in the second Test at Trent Bridge. Zaheer Khan’s fiery spell, combined with his jelly bean incident-inspired aggression, helped India win the match and take the lead.

Anil Kumble’s maiden Test century and consistent bowling performances were key to India’s success. The third Test ended in a draw, sealing India’s first series win in England since 1986. It was a defining tour for the team’s new generation.

6. England Tour of India, 2021 – Spin Show in Full Force

Series result: India won 3-1 (4 Tests)Key players: R Ashwin, Axar Patel, Joe Root

After losing the first Test in Chennai, India responded with a series of dominant wins powered by their spinners. Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel ran riot on turning tracks, leaving England’s batting in tatters.

Ashwin also scored a century in Chennai, while debutant Axar claimed a five-wicket haul in his first game and ended the series with 27 wickets. Despite criticism over the pitches, India’s performance was dominant and decisive, booking their spot in the World Test Championship final.

Know More:- Most centuries by an Indian wicketkeeper batsman in Test cricket

7. India Tour of England, 2021–22 – The Unfinished Classic

Series result: Drawn 2-2 (5 Tests, postponed final Test played in 2022)Key players: Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow

The 2021–22 series had everything: high-quality cricket, momentum swings, and top-class individual performances. India led the series 2-1 in 2021 before the final Test was postponed due to COVID-19. When the decider was played at Edgbaston in 2022, England pulled off a record chase of 378, thanks to stunning centuries by Bairstow and Root.

Rohit Sharma’s century at The Oval, Bumrah’s spell at Lord’s, and Shami-Siraj’s lower-order heroics added to the spectacle. Though the series ended in a 2-2 draw, it was hailed as one of the greatest IND vs ENG Test series of the modern era.

8. India Tour of England, 1986 – Dominance on Foreign Soil

Series result: India won 2-0 (3 Tests)Key players: Kapil Dev, Dilip Vengsarkar, Chetan Sharma

In one of India’s most convincing overseas performances, Kapil Dev’s side thrashed England in 1986. India won at Lord’s and Headingley, thanks to Dilip Vengsarkar’s superb form, Kapil’s all-round brilliance, and sharp bowling from Chetan Sharma.

It was India’s first series win in England since 1971, and the dominance shown made it one of the most complete Test series performances away from home.

Conclusion

From historic breakthroughs to emotional victories, the greatest IND vs ENG Test series ever played have delivered drama, passion, and moments that have become timeless. Whether it was India’s grit in 1971, England’s triumph in 2012, or the unfinished thriller of 2021–22, these series have defined the legacy of both nations.

As new talents emerge and cricket continues to evolve, fans can expect this legendary rivalry to produce even more unforgettable Test battles in the years to come.