Top 10 Highest Individual Scores in India vs England Tests

The India vs England Test rivalry, dating back to 1932, has produced many iconic moments. Among them, towering individual scores stand out—battles of skill, grit, and endurance against top-quality bowling. From Chennai’s heat to Lord’s swing, these unforgettable knocks have shaped series and thrilled fans. Here are the Top 10 Highest Individual Scores in India vs England Tests.

Let`s take a look at the Top 10 Highest Individual Scores in India vs England Tests:

10. Joe Root – 218 (377 balls) | Chennai, 2021

On a turning Chennai track, Joe Root delivered a masterclass in his 100th Test, scoring a brilliant 218. Using sharp footwork and a range of sweeps, he blunted India’s spinners and crafted one of the finest overseas innings in recent memory. His knock laid the foundation for England’s victory and set the tone for the series—earning its place among the Highest Individual Scores in India vs England Tests.

Stats Table:

Matches	Innings	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	SR	Venue	Year
1	1	218	377	19	2	57.82	Chennai	2021

9. Sunil Gavaskar – 221 (443 balls) | Oval, 1979

In what is widely regarded as his finest Test innings, Sunil Gavaskar crafted a magnificent 221 while chasing 438 at The Oval. His flawless technique and calm under pressure took India agonisingly close to a historic win. Though the match ended in a draw, Gavaskar’s effort stands as one of the greatest fourth-innings performances—and firmly among the Highest Individual Scores in India vs England Tests.

Stats Table:

Matches	Innings	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	SR	Venue	Year
1	1	221	443	21	0	49.88	Oval	1979

8. Gundappa Viswanath – 222 (374 balls) | Chennai, 1982

Known for his elegance and wristy strokeplay, Gundappa Viswanath produced one of his finest innings with a sublime 222 against England in 1982 at Chepauk. Graceful under pressure, he dazzled with exquisite square cuts and delicate flicks, putting on a masterclass in timing and placement. This brilliant knock remains a standout among the Highest Individual Scores in India vs England Tests.

Stats Table:

Matches	Innings	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	SR	Venue	Year
1	1	222	374	28	0	59.36	Chennai	1982

7. Vinod Kambli – 224 (340 balls) | Mumbai, 1993

A young and flamboyant Vinod Kambli announced himself in grand style with a dazzling 224 against England at Wankhede in just his second Test. Full of flair, confidence, and audacious strokeplay—especially against spin—his maiden double century showcased raw talent and dominance. Though his career was brief, this iconic knock remains etched among the Highest Individual Scores in India vs England Tests.

Stats Table:

Matches	Innings	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	SR	Venue	Year
1	1	224	340	26	2	65.88	Mumbai	1993

6. Virat Kohli – 235 (340 balls) | Mumbai, 2016

In the same match where Karun Nair later stole the spotlight, Virat Kohli delivered a majestic captain’s knock, scoring a career-best 235 at Wankhede. Dominating both spin and pace, he showcased his full range—driving with elegance and sweeping with authority. His innings powered India to a huge total and a convincing win. This masterclass remains Kohli’s highest Test score and stands tall among the Highest Individual Scores in India vs England Tests.

Stats Table:

Matches	Innings	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	SR	Venue	Year
1	1	235	340	25	1	69.11	Mumbai	2016

5. Ian Bell – 235 (364 balls) | Oval, 2011

Renowned for his elegant strokeplay, Ian Bell crafted a superb 235 at The Oval—one of the most complete innings of his career. With fluent drives and effortless timing, he frustrated the Indian bowlers alongside Pietersen and Cook, making them toil relentlessly under the sun. Bell’s knock played a key role in England’s dominant 4-0 series whitewash and earns its place among the Highest Individual Scores in India vs England Tests.

Stats Table:

Matches	Innings	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	SR	Venue	Year
1	1	235	364	23	2	64.56	Oval	2011

4. Geoffrey Boycott – 246 (323) | Leeds, 1967

Famed for his classical technique and rock-solid defence, Geoffrey Boycott delivered a marathon unbeaten 246 at Headingley—a true batting masterclass. Occupying the crease for over ten hours, he methodically wore down the Indian attack and guided England to a commanding total before the declaration. Slow, steady, and unyielding, it was vintage Boycott—and a standout among the Highest Individual Scores in India vs England Tests.

Stats Table:

Matches	Innings	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	SR	Venue	Year
1	1	246*	323	30	0	61.11	Leeds	1967

3. Alastair Cook – 294 (545 balls) | Birmingham, 2011

England’s most prolific Test run-scorer, Alastair Cook, produced one of his greatest innings with a monumental 294 against India at Edgbaston. Displaying trademark patience and laser-sharp focus, he methodically dismantled the Indian attack with fluent drives and precise cuts. His marathon effort exhausted the visitors and put England firmly in control. This career-best knock remains a defining moment in Cook’s career and features prominently among the Highest Individual Scores in India vs England Tests.

Stats Table:

Matches	Innings	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	SR	Venue	Year
1	1	294	545	33	0	53.94	Birmingham	2011

2. Karun Nair – 303 (381 balls) | Chennai, 2016

In only his third Test, Karun Nair etched his name into the history books by becoming just the second Indian after Sehwag to score a triple century in Tests. Coming in with India already well-placed, Nair seized the moment and transformed the innings into something extraordinary. His unbeaten 303 was a lesson in building an innings—calmly reaching a hundred, then a double, and finally a historic triple. For a newcomer, it was a stunning achievement and stands tall among the Highest Individual Scores in India vs England Tests.

Stats Table:

Matches	Innings	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	SR	Venue	Year
1	1	303*	381	32	4	79.52	Chennai	2016

1. Graham Gooch – 333 (485 balls) | Lord’s, 1990

Graham Gooch’s monumental 333 at Lord’s remains the highest individual score in India vs England Test history and one of the finest innings ever played on English soil. Leading from the front as captain, Gooch combined stamina, focus, and classical strokeplay with controlled aggression to dismantle the Indian attack. He set the tone for England’s dominance and remarkably followed it up with 123 in the second innings, recording a match aggregate of 456 runs—a record that still stands. This legendary performance is the pinnacle of the Highest Individual Scores in India vs England Tests.

Stats Table:

Matches	Innings	Runs	Balls	4s	6s	SR	Venue	Year
1	1	333	485	43	3	68.65	Lord’s	1990

Conclusion

The Top 10 Highest Individual Scores in India vs England Tests go beyond numbers—they showcase grit, class, and match-defining brilliance in a historic rivalry. From Gooch’s epic 333 to Karun Nair’s fairytale 303*, these iconic innings shaped games and left lasting legacies. As this fierce contest continues, such performances remain timeless benchmarks of greatness.

Read More: Top 5 Bowlers with Most Wickets for India vs England in Tests

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