The India vs England Test rivalry is more than just a contest—it’s a saga of shifting eras, fierce battles, and iconic moments. Since India’s debut at Lord’s in 1932, these two cricketing giants have produced thrilling encounters from Chennai’s dustbowls to Lord’s green tops. From grit and perseverance to explosive brilliance, here are the Top 5 Best India vs England Test Matches of All Time that defined this historic rivalry.
Let`s take a look at the Top 5 Best India vs England Test Matches of All Time:
5. India vs England – Chennai Test, 2021
Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
Dates: February 13–17, 2021
Result: India won by 317 runs
Among the Top 5 Best India vs England Test Matches of All Time, the second Test of the 2021 series in Chennai marked a stunning Indian comeback. After a shock loss in the first Test, India bounced back with Rohit Sharma’s majestic 161 on a turning track, guiding the team to 329. England crumbled for 134, with Ravichandran Ashwin taking five and debutant Axar Patel impressing.
Ashwin then dazzled with the bat, scoring a brilliant 106 in the second innings. Chasing an improbable target, England were bowled out for 164, as Axar and Ashwin spun a web to seal a thumping 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
A thrilling opener in the 2021 series, this match earns its place among the Top 5 Best India vs England Test Matches of All Time. Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery 9-wicket haul and Joe Root’s sublime 109 created a tense battle. England were dismissed for 183 in the first innings, with India replying strongly—KL Rahul scored 84 and Jadeja added a crucial 33*. England fought back with 303, setting India a target of 209.
India ended Day 4 at 52/1 and looked on course for victory, but rain washed out Day 5. Though the match ended in a draw, its intensity, drama, and quality set the tone for a gripping 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
A true gem among the Top 5 Best India vs England Test Matches of All Time, this 1970s encounter showcased India’s famed spin quartet at their peak. After posting 210 in the first innings, with Viswanath scoring 52, India kept things tight as England replied with 174. A second-innings collapse saw India set England a target of just 192.
But Bedi and Prasanna unleashed a spin masterclass, dismantling England despite Tony Greig’s gritty 67. England were bowled out for 163, sealing one of India’s most hard-fought and iconic home victories.
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
Among the Top 5 Best India vs England Test Matches of All Time, India’s historic 2014 win at Lord’s ended a 28-year drought at the iconic venue. Ajinkya Rahane’s brilliant 103 in testing conditions helped India post 295, while England replied with 319. In the second innings, Murali Vijay and Ravindra Jadeja led India to 342, setting a target of 319.
On Day 5, Ishant Sharma delivered a fiery spell of short-pitched bowling—on MS Dhoni’s call—ripping through England with 7 for 74. It was one of the finest fast-bowling performances by an Indian in England and a defining moment in India’s overseas resurgence.
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
One of the Top 5 Best India vs England Test Matches of All Time, the 2008 Chennai Test was far more than just cricket—it was a nation’s emotional revival after the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. England, having returned to play despite the tragedy, posted 316 in the first innings, powered by Andrew Strauss’s century. India replied with 241, and Strauss struck again in the second innings to set a daunting target of 387.
On a crumbling pitch, Virender Sehwag’s explosive 83 off 68 balls gave India belief. But it was Sachin Tendulkar’s unbeaten 103, partnered with Yuvraj Singh, that sealed a historic chase and paid tribute to the victims—a moment of pride, healing, and cricketing brilliance.
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) |
Conclusion
The Top 5 Best India vs England Test Matches of All Time showcase thrilling comebacks, iconic wins, and unforgettable moments. From spinning tracks in Chennai to the seaming pitches of Lord’s, these classics reflect the fierce rivalry and evolving spirit of Test cricket between two proud nations.
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FAQ`s
Q1: Why are India vs England Test matches considered iconic?
A: India vs England Tests have a rich history dating back to 1932. The matches often feature intense competition, memorable performances, and historic moments across different eras and conditions.
Q2: Which is considered India’s greatest Test win against England?
A: The 2008 Chennai Test is often seen as one of India’s greatest wins—chasing 387 in the fourth innings with Tendulkar’s unbeaten century, just weeks after the 26/11 attacks.
Q3: What makes the 2014 Lord’s Test so special?
A: It ended India’s 28-year winless streak at Lord’s. Ajinkya Rahane’s century and Ishant Sharma’s devastating 7-wicket spell made it one of India’s best overseas victories.