Across decades, England and India have played out thrillers that swung like a pendulum—matches decided by inches, nerves, and final-day drama
As the Indian team gears up for an away five-Test series in England starting June 20, 2025, the past beckons. A new era begins with the new leadership duo of Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant and legends Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravi Ashwin retiring from red-ball cricket.
Before the first ball at Headingley, let's revisit some of the closest and most thrilling Tests in India-England history. These weren't just matches; they were rollercoasters that kept fans on edge until the last wicket fell.
2nd Test, Eden Gardens, Dec 30, 1972 – Jan 4, 1973
India batted first and posted 210 in their first innings, thanks to Farokh Engineer's gritty 75. England responded with 174, handing India a 36-run lead. However, India crumbled for 155 in their second innings, setting England a target of 192.
Credit: ESPN
The visitors looked poised at times, but the Indian spin duo— Bishan Bedi (5/63) and Bhagwath Chandrasekhar (4/42)—spun a web around them. England were bowled out for 163, giving India a narrow 28-run victory at home. This was one of India's earliest thrillers at Eden Gardens, with the packed crowd clinging to every run and wicket.
1st Test, Hyderabad, Jan 25–28, 2024
Fast forward to a more recent epic. England batted first and posted 246, thanks to Ben Stokes' 70. India replied firmly with 436, built on half-centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (80), KL Rahul (86), and Ravindra Jadeja (87).
Credit: ESPN
Then came Ollie Pope's blinder—a majestic 196 in England's second innings, helping them to amass 420. India were set 231 to win but collapsed to 202, undone by Tom Hartley's stunning 7 for 62. England clinched the match by 28 runs, mirroring the margin from 1973 while flipping the script on Indian soil.
1st Test, Birmingham, Aug 1–4, 2018
In a topsy-turvy clash, England scored 287 in their first innings, aided by Joe Root's 80 and Jonny Bairstow's 70. India's response of 274 was largely propelled by Kohli's mighty 149.
Credit: ESPN
Sam Curran altered the course with a fiery 63 in England's second innings of 180. Set 194 to win, India crumbled for 162, with Ben Stokes taking 4 for 40. England triumphed by 31 runs in a match where fortunes swung like a seesaw, and every session narrated a new story.
3rd Test, The Oval, Aug 19–24, 1971
England batted first and scored a solid 355, led by Alan Knott's ssteller 90. India replied with 284, trailing by 71 runs. However, what followed was spin bowling magic—Chandrasekhar's spell (6/38) dismantled England for just 101 in their second innings.
Credit: ESPN
India needed 173 to make history, and despite a wobble, secured victory at 174/6, winning by 4 wickets. It wasn't merely a match but a turning point, marking India's first Test series win (1-0) on English soil.
3rd Test, Chennai, Jan 12–17, 1973
England batted first, scoring 242, thanks to Fletcher's unbeaten 97. Chandrasekhar claimed 6 wickets. India responded with 316, buoyed by Pataudi's 73.
England collapsed again in their second innings, all out for 159. Chasing a modest target of 86, India found themselves at 86/6 but ultimately managed to cross the line. Pat Pocock's 4 wickets caused jitters, yet Salim Durani's crucial 38 made the difference. It was a tense finish, filled with sweat and suspense.
