The India vs England Test rivalry has delivered some of the most thrilling contests in cricket history. Packed with drama, tension, and unforgettable moments, these matches often went down to the wire, with results hanging in the balance until the final ball.
Here’s a look back at the Top 10 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History, where nerves were tested, pressure mounted, and heroes emerged in the game’s most defining moments.
Let`s take a look at the Top 10 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History:
10. Ahmedabad 2021 – India Won by 10 Wickets (2-Day Finish)
A rare pink-ball Test that wrapped up in just two days, this clash saw both teams evenly matched after Day 1. Sudden batting collapses on both sides heightened the tension, making it one of the shortest yet dramatic encounters in recent times.
It rightfully earns its place in the Top 10 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History.
Key Player: Axar Patel
| Player | Wkts | Runs | Overs | Maidens | Match Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axar Patel | 11 | 70 | 34 | 12 | 6/38 & 5/32 |
9. Leeds 2021 – India Lost by an Innings and 76 Runs (But Tense Moments)
Though the final margin was large, the dramatic collapse from 215/2 on Day 3 turned this match into a psychological thriller. A single session flipped the momentum, proving that even seemingly one-sided games can hide intense internal battles.
This gripping turnaround secures its spot in the Top 10 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History.
Key Player: Ollie Robinson
| Player | Wkts | Runs | Overs | Maidens | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ollie Robinson | 5 | 65 | 15 | 3 | 5/65 |
8. Nottingham 2007 – India Won by 7 Wickets
Best known for Zaheer Khan’s infamous jelly beans incident and his match-winning spell, this Test saw India nervously chase a modest 73-run target. Despite the low total, the tension and drama made it a nail-biter that flew under the radar.
A perfect example of understated tension, it earns its place in the Top 10 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History.
Key Player: Zaheer Khan
| Player | Wkts | Runs | Overs | Maidens | Inns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zaheer Khan | 5 | 75 | 25 | 6 | 2nd |
7. Oval 1979 – Match Drawn
India came agonisingly close to chasing down 438, reaching 429/8 and flirting with history. But the final two wickets fell short, ending a brave fightback. The heartbreak and drama captured everything that defines a classic near-miss.
A true edge-of-the-seat battle, it deserves its spot in the Top 10 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History.
Key Player: Sunil Gavaskar
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunil Gavaskar | 221 | 443 | 21 | 0 | 49.88 | Match Drawn |
6. Kolkata 1972 – India Won by 28 Runs
Chasing just 192 in the fourth innings, England seemed on track at 117/3. But on a turning Eden Gardens pitch, India’s spinners—led by Chandrasekhar—triggered a stunning collapse to 163 all out.
A gripping turnaround under pressure, this match earns its place in the Top 10 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History.
Key Player: BS Chandrasekhar
| Player | Wkts | Runs | Overs | Maidens | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B. S. Chandrasekhar | 5 | 62 | 24 | 6 | 5/62 |
5. Chennai 1985 – Match Drawn
England set India a target of 136 in just 20 overs—a match seemingly destined for a draw. But India’s bold and aggressive start brought the chase alive, sparking hopes of an improbable win. Though they fell short, the thrilling effort transformed a dead rubber into a memorable contest.
It rightfully features in the Top 10 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History.
Key Player: Mohammad Azharuddin
| Player | Runs | Balls | SR | 4s | Inns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Azharuddin | 54 | 56 | 96.4 | 8 | 4th |
4. Lord’s 2014 – India Won by 95 Runs
A Test packed with momentum swings, it was Ishant Sharma’s fiery short-ball assault on the final day that shattered England’s resistance. His stunning 7-wicket haul turned a likely draw into a dramatic Indian victory—one of the most unexpected close finishes overseas.
A classic twist in the tale, it firmly belongs in the Top 10 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History.
Key Player: Ishant Sharma
| Player | Wkts | Runs | Overs | Maidens | SR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ishant Sharma | 7 | 74 | 23 | 4 | 19.7 |
3. Mumbai 2006 – England Won by 212 Runs
Despite missing several key players, England’s inexperienced squad pulled off a stunning win by defending a modest target on a deteriorating pitch. Shaun Udal’s off-spin masterclass bowled India out for just 100. While the final margin was big, the tension and unexpected collapse made it a dramatic and emotional finish.
This upset victory earns its place in the Top 10 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History.
Key Player: Shaun Udal
| Player | Wkts | Runs | Overs | Maidens | Best |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shaun Udal | 4 | 14 | 10 | 3 | 4/14 |
2. Bangalore 1972 – Match Drawn
On a crumbling pitch, England nearly snatched victory. Chasing 224, India stumbled to 210/9, leaving the last pair—Bedi and Chandrasekhar—to survive the final overs. They held on, and the match ended in a tense draw, proving that close finishes aren’t always about wins or losses, but sheer survival.
A classic in suspense, it secures its spot in the Top 10 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History.
Key Player: Bishan Singh Bedi
| Player | Wkts | Runs | Overs | Maidens | Econ | Batting (2nd Inns) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bishan Bedi | 3 | 45 | 27 | 10 | 1.66 | 4* (held out draw) |
1. Chennai 2008 – India Won by 6 Wickets
In the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, this Test became a symbol of strength and unity. England set a steep target of 387, but India responded with a chase for the ages—sparked by Sehwag’s explosive start and sealed by Tendulkar’s calm brilliance under pressure.
India’s emotional six-wicket win in Chennai stands as one of the most unforgettable moments in the Top 10 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History.
Key Player: Sachin Tendulkar
| Player | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | SR | Inns | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sachin Tendulkar | 103* | 196 | 9 | 0 | 52.55 | 4th | India won by 6 wkts |
Conclusion
The Top 10 Close Finishes in India vs England Test History showcase the raw emotion, unpredictability, and high-stakes drama that define this storied rivalry. From nerve-wracking draws and last-wicket survivals to unexpected collapses and heroic chases, these matches remind us that Test cricket’s true beauty lies in its tension-filled moments. Each contest not only tested skill and strategy but also captured the fighting spirit of both nations, leaving behind memories etched in cricketing folklore.
Read More: Top 10 Partnerships in India vs England Test History
FAQ`s
Q1: What qualifies a Test match as a “close finish”?
A: A close finish refers to a Test match where the result is decided by fine margins—whether it’s a narrow win, a tense draw, or a last-session turnaround—keeping fans on edge till the end.
Q2: Which is considered the closest India vs England Test finish?
A: India’s narrow survival at 210/9 while chasing 224, or their epic chase of 387 in Chennai after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, are among the closest and most dramatic finishes.
Q3: Can a match with a large final margin still be a close finish?
A: Absolutely. Some Tests saw major shifts in momentum or collapses in key sessions, making them psychological thrillers even if the scoreboard suggests otherwise.