Test cricket is a battle of skill, stamina, and nerve—and in the storied India vs England rivalry, a few legends have risen above the rest with match-defining all-round brilliance. From Botham’s swagger to Ashwin’s finesse, these rare performances turned games with both bat and ball. It’s not just about stats—it’s about impact, pressure, and timing. Here’s a look at the Top 5 All-Round Performances in India vs England Tests, where cricketers delivered twice in one game to tilt the scales.
Let`s take a look at the Top 5 All-Round Performances in India vs England Tests:
5. Ben Stokes – 82 & 4/40 (Lord’s, 2021)
Ben Stokes’ gritty all-round display at Lord’s in 2021 nearly turned the tide in a fiercely contested Test. He scored a vital 82, blending discipline with counterattack, to give England a narrow lead. With tempers flaring in India’s second innings, Stokes struck back with a fiery short-ball spell, dismissing Pujara and Pant. Though England fell to India’s tail-end heroics, his impact was undeniable—earning a spot in the Top 5 All-Round Performances in India vs England Tests.
Match Stats:
| Runs | Balls faced | 4s/6s | Bowling Figures | Wickets | Match Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 82 | 170 | 9/1 | 4/40 (2nd Innings) | 4 | Turned match momentum on Day 4 |
4. Moeen Ali – 87 & 8/129 (Southampton, 2014)
In 2014 at Southampton, Moeen Ali delivered a breakout all-round performance that cemented his place in the side. He scored a fluent 87, building key partnerships, then stunned India with his off-spin—claiming 6/67 on a Day 5 pitch. His ability to exploit rough and break partnerships led England to a dominant 266-run win. A standout in the Top 5 All-Round Performances in India vs England Tests.
Match Stats:
| Runs | Balls Faced | 4s | Bowling Figures (1st Inns) | Bowling Figures (2nd Inns) | Total Wickets | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87 | 148 | 9 | 2/62 | 6/67 | 8 | England won by 266 runs |
3. Ravichandran Ashwin – 106 & 8/96 (Chennai, 2021)
In the second Test of the 2021 series in Chennai, Ravichandran Ashwin delivered a modern all-round masterclass. On a sharply turning pitch that drew criticism, Ashwin silenced doubters with pure skill. He took 5 wickets in the first innings, using flight and dip to trouble England’s batters. Then, with India reeling at 106/6, he counterattacked with a brilliant 106 off 148 balls. Adding 3 more wickets in the final innings, Ashwin finished with 8 in the match—showcasing his genius with both bat and ball. A defining entry in the Top 5 All-Round Performances in India vs England Tests.
Match Stats:
| Runs | Balls Faced | 4s/6s | Bowling Figures (1st Inns) | Bowling Figures (2nd Inns) | Total Wickets | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 106 | 148 | 14/1 | 5/43 | 3/53 | 8 | India won by 317 runs |
2. Vinoo Mankad – 184 & 5/196 (Madras, 1952)
If one performance symbolised the rise of Indian cricket, it was Vinoo Mankad’s heroic display in Madras, 1952. Against a strong England side, India’s original all-round icon scored a majestic 184 as an opener, anchoring a total of 457. Then, with unwavering stamina, he bowled 97.2 overs of left-arm spin, taking 5 crucial wickets to bowl England out twice. It led to India’s first-ever Test win over England—a landmark moment in cricket history. Undoubtedly, one of the Top 5 All-Round Performances in India vs England Tests.
Match Stats:
| Runs | Balls Faced | 4s | Bowling Overs | Wickets | Economy | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 184 | 346 | 21 | 97.2 | 5 | 2.01 | India won by an innings and 8 runs |
1. Ian Botham – 114 & 13/106 (Mumbai, 1980)
In the 1980 Mumbai Test, Ian Botham delivered what is widely regarded as the greatest all-round performance in India vs England history. Walking in at 58/5, he smashed a counterattacking 114 off 144 balls, rescuing England from collapse. Then, on a flat Wankhede pitch, he tore through India’s batting—taking 5 wickets in the first innings and unleashing reverse swing carnage in the second with figures of 7/48. His match haul of 13 wickets and a century powered England to a 10-wicket win and etched his name into cricketing folklore. Undisputedly part of the Top 5 All-Round Performances in India vs England Tests.
Match Stats:
| Runs | Balls Faced | 4s/6s | Bowling Figures (1st Inns) | Bowling Figures (2nd Inns) | Total Wickets | Match Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 114 | 144 | 17/1 | 6/58 | 7/48 | 13 | England won by 10 wickets |
Conclusion
The Top 5 All-Round Performances in India vs England Tests highlight the true game-changers—cricketers who dominated with both bat and ball. From Botham’s brilliance to Ashwin’s heroics, these iconic displays shaped matches and cemented their place in cricketing history.
Read More: Top 5 Most Bizarre Moments in India vs England History
FAQ`s
Q1: What qualifies as an all-round performance in Test cricket?
A: An all-round performance typically involves a player making significant contributions with both bat and ball in the same match—such as scoring crucial runs and taking key wickets.
Q2: Who delivered the best all-round performance in India vs England Tests?
A: Ian Botham’s performance in the 1980 Mumbai Test is widely regarded as the best—scoring a century and taking 13 wickets to single-handedly win the match for England.
Q3: Has any Indian player featured in the top 5 all-round performances?
A: Yes, players like Vinoo Mankad and Ravichandran Ashwin have delivered outstanding all-round performances against England in Tests, making it to the top 5.