Cricket is more than just a sport in India and England—it’s a passion, a tradition, and a way of life. The rivalry between the India National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline is one of the oldest and most captivating in international cricket. Spanning over nine decades, their encounters have produced unforgettable moments, fierce competition, and iconic performances. From India’s first-ever Test match in 1932 to the thrilling 2025 Test series, this timeline captures the essence of their rivalry across Test matches, One Day Internationals (ODIs), and T20 Internationals (T20Is). Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to cricket, let’s dive into this storied journey with a human touch, exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between.

The Early Days: A Newcomer vs a Cricketing Giant

1932: India’s Test Debut at Lord’s

The story begins in 1932 when India played their first-ever Test match against England at Lord’s, the “Home of Cricket.” It was a historic moment for India, marking their entry into Test cricket. Led by CK Nayudu, India faced a formidable England side. Though England won by 158 runs, India showed grit, with Nayudu scoring a spirited 40. This match laid the foundation for a rivalry that would grow stronger with time.

1933–34: England Tours India

The next chapter unfolded in 1933–34 when England toured India for the first Test series on Indian soil. Played in Bombay (now Mumbai), Calcutta (now Kolkata), and Madras (now Chennai), the three-match series saw England dominate with a 2–0 victory. India’s batting struggled, but the series was a learning curve for a young team finding its feet in international cricket.

1946: Post-War Clashes

After a hiatus due to World War II, cricket resumed in 1946 with India touring England for a three-match Test series. England won 1–0, but India showed promise, with players like Vijay Merchant and Lala Amarnath making their mark. The series was a stepping stone for India, who were still building their cricketing identity.

1951–52: India’s First Test Win

A landmark moment came during England’s 1951–52 tour of India. In the fifth Test in Madras, India secured their first-ever Test victory against England by an innings and 8 runs. Vinoo Mankad’s all-round brilliance (8 wickets and 184 runs) and Pankaj Roy’s century were pivotal. This win was a turning point, proving India could compete with the best.

The 1960s and 1970s: Growing Pains and Emerging Stars

1960s: England’s Dominance

The 1960s were challenging for India, especially in England. Tours in 1967 and 1971 saw England dominate, with India struggling against their pace bowlers on seaming pitches. However, players like Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, India’s charismatic captain, brought flair and resilience to the team. The 1971 series in England was particularly significant—India drew the series 1–1, with Ajit Wadekar leading them to their first Test win on English soil at The Oval, thanks to Bhagwat Chandrasekhar’s 6/38.

1970s: The ODI Era Begins

The 1970s also marked the start of limited-overs cricket. India and England faced off in their first ODI in 1974 at Leeds, with England winning comfortably. India’s early ODI performances were modest, but the format opened new avenues for competition. By 1979, India showed improvement, with Kapil Dev emerging as a star all-rounder during England’s tour of India.

The 1980s: India’s Rise and Kapil’s Era

1983: World Cup Glory

The 1983 Cricket World Cup was a defining moment for Indian cricket. While India and England didn’t face each other in the tournament, India’s victory over the West Indies in the final at Lord’s shocked the cricketing world. This triumph, led by Kapil Dev, boosted India’s confidence, setting the stage for stronger performances against England.

1986: India’s Breakthrough in England

India’s 1986 tour of England was a historic milestone. Under Kapil Dev’s captaincy, India won their first Test series in England 2–0. Dilip Vengsarkar’s elegant batting and Maninder Singh’s spin were key. The series showcased India’s growing prowess in overseas conditions, a rare feat at the time.

1987: World Cup Semifinal

In the 1987 World Cup, hosted by India, the two teams clashed in the semifinal in Mumbai. England, led by Graham Gooch’s 115, defeated India by 35 runs. It was a heartbreaking loss for the home side, but the match highlighted the growing intensity of their ODI rivalry.

The 1990s: Sachin Tendulkar’s Arrival

1990: Sachin’s First Century

The 1990s saw the rise of Sachin Tendulkar, who announced himself with a match-saving 119* against England at Old Trafford in 1990. At just 17, Tendulkar’s composure under pressure hinted at his future greatness. Though the series ended in a draw, Tendulkar’s emergence gave India a new superstar.

1996: World Cup Quarterfinal

The 1996 World Cup in India saw another thrilling encounter. In the quarterfinal in Bangalore, India chased England’s 226, with Mohammad Azharuddin and Anil Kumble leading the charge. This victory was a testament to India’s growing strength in limited-overs cricket.

The 2000s: A New Millennium of India National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline Rivalry

2002: NatWest Series Final

The 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord’s is one of the most iconic India-England matches. Chasing 326, India were struggling at 146/5 when Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif stitched together a remarkable 121-run partnership. Kaif’s unbeaten 87 guided India to a two-wicket win, with Sourav Ganguly famously waving his shirt from the Lord’s balcony. This victory remains a cherished memory for Indian fans.

2007: T20I Rivalry Begins

The T20I format debuted in 2005, and India and England faced off for the first time in 2007 during the inaugural T20 World Cup. India, led by MS Dhoni, won by 18 runs, with Yuvraj Singh smashing six sixes in an over off Stuart Broad—a record that still stands. This match set the tone for an exciting T20 rivalry.

2008: India’s Test Dominance at Home

Under MS Dhoni’s leadership, India began dominating England at home. The 2008 Test series saw India win 1–0, with Tendulkar’s century in Chennai sealing a memorable chase. India’s spin duo of Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble outfoxed England’s batsmen, marking a shift in the Test rivalry.

The 2010s: A Golden Era for India

2011: England’s Home Dominance

England’s 2011 home series was a low point for India. They lost 4–0, with England’s pace attack, led by James Anderson, proving too strong. However, Rahul Dravid’s gritty centuries kept India competitive in a tough series.

2014: Lord’s Triumph

India bounced back in 2014, winning the second Test at Lord’s by 95 runs—their first victory there in 28 years. Ishant Sharma’s 7/74, including a fiery spell of bouncers, and Ajinkya Rahane’s century were the highlights. This win marked a turning point in India’s approach to overseas Tests.

2018: A Thrilling Edgbaston Test

The 2018 Test at Edgbaston was a classic. Chasing 194, India fell short by 31 runs despite Virat Kohli’s heroic 149. Sam Curran and Ben Stokes shone for England in a match that could’ve gone either way, showcasing the fine margins of this rivalry.

2021: India’s Fightback

The 2021 series in England was a rollercoaster. India took a 2–1 lead after four Tests, with standout performances from Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, and R Ashwin. The fifth Test, postponed due to COVID-19, was played in 2022, with England winning to draw the series 2–2. The series was a testament to India’s growing strength in English conditions.

The 2020s: A New Generation Takes Over

2024: T20 World Cup Semifinal

In the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal, India defeated England by 68 runs in Guyana. Suryakumar Yadav’s aggressive batting and Axar Patel’s spin bowling outclassed England, propelling India to the title. This win highlighted India’s dominance in T20Is.

2025: The Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy

The 2025 Test series in England, part of the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship, was a blockbuster. With Shubman Gill leading a young Indian side after the retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin, India faced a spirited England team under Ben Stokes. The five-match series ended in a 2–2 draw, with unforgettable moments:

• First Test (Headingley): India posted 359/3 on day one, led by centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul gave India a slender lead, but England chased a big target, with Ben Duckett’s 149 earning him Player of the Match. England won by 7 wickets.
• Second Test (Edgbaston): Gill’s unbeaten 265 and Washington Sundar’s resilience helped India pile on runs. England fought back, but India’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj, secured a victory.
• Third Test: A high-scoring draw, with India becoming the first team to score five centuries in a single Test (Gill, Jaiswal, Rahul, Pant, and Jadeja). England’s Joe Root surpassed Ricky Ponting as the second-highest run-scorer in Tests.
• Fourth Test: India’s lowest Test victory by runs, showcasing their grit in a low-scoring thriller.
• Fifth Test (The Oval): A dramatic finish saw India win by 6 runs, leveling the series. Mohammed Siraj’s fiery spell, dismissing Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson, and Chris Woakes batting with a strapped arm, created a match for the ages.

The series was a showcase of Test cricket’s beauty, with both teams trading blows and young stars like Gill, Jaiswal, and Harry Brook shining. India’s 2–2 draw was a triumph for a team in transition, while England’s “Bazball” approach kept fans on the edge of their seats.

2025: Limited-Overs Series in India

Following the Test series, England toured India for a five-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series in January–February 2025. India dominated, winning the T20I series and the ODIs, with standout performances from Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Mohammed Shami. The series reinforced India’s dominance in limited-overs cricket.

India National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline

1930s–1950s: The Early Years

• 1932: India’s first Test match at Lord’s, England won by 158 runs.

• 1933–34: England tours India, wins 2–0 in three Tests.

• 1946: India tours England, loses 1–0 in three Tests.

• 1951–52: India’s first Test win against England in Madras by an innings and 8 runs.

1960s–1970s: India’s Growth

• 1967: England wins 3–0 in England.

• 1971: India draws 1–1 in England, wins at The Oval.

• 1974: First ODI between India and England, England wins.

• 1979: Kapil Dev shines during England’s tour of India.

1980s: India’s Rise

• 1983: India wins the World Cup, boosting confidence.

• 1986: India wins 2–0 in England, their first Test series win there.

• 1987: England defeats India in the World Cup semifinal.

1990s: Tendulkar’s Era

• 1990: Sachin Tendulkar scores his first Test century (119*) in England.

• 1996: India beats England in the World Cup quarterfinal in Bangalore.

2000s: Iconic Moments

• 2002: India wins the NatWest Series final at Lord’s, Ganguly’s shirt wave.

• 2007: India wins T20 World Cup clash, Yuvraj’s six sixes off Broad.

• 2008: India wins 1–0 in Test series at home, Tendulkar’s Chennai century.

2010s: India’s Overseas Fight

• 2011: England wins 4–0 in England.

• 2014: India wins at Lord’s, Ishant Sharma’s 7/74.

• 2018: Thrilling Edgbaston Test, England wins by 31 runs.

• 2021: India leads 2–1, series drawn 2–2 after fifth Test in 2022.

2020s: A New Era

• 2024: India defeats England in T20 World Cup semifinal by 68 runs.

• 2025: Test series in England ends 2–2, India wins thrilling fifth Test at The Oval by 6 runs.

• 2025: India dominates T20I and ODI series at home.

Head-to-Head Stats (as of August 2025)

Format	Matches Played	India Wins	England Wins	Draws/Ties/No Result
Test	141	37	53	51 (Draws)
ODI	106	58	44	4 (Ties/No Result)
T20I	29	17	12	0

Source:

Key Records

• Most Runs: Joe Root (2,846, England), Sachin Tendulkar (2,535, India).

• Most Wickets: James Anderson (149, England), R Ashwin (114, India).

• Unique Feat: Rishabh Pant, first Indian wicketkeeper to score centuries in both innings of a Test (2025).

• Memorable Moment: Yuvraj Singh’s six sixes in an over off Stuart Broad (2007).

Head-to-Head Stats

As of August 2025, India and England have faced off in multiple formats, with England historically leading in Tests but India gaining ground in limited-overs cricket.

Source:

Iconic Moments and Records

• Sachin Tendulkar: Holds the record for the most runs by an Indian against England in Tests (2,535).
• Joe Root: Leads all batters with 2,846 runs in India-England Tests.
• James Anderson: The highest wicket-taker in India-England Tests with 149 wickets.
• Jasprit Bumrah: Equalled the record for most wickets by an Indian in a Test series in England (23 in 2025).
• Yuvraj Singh’s Six Sixes: His six sixes off Stuart Broad in 2007 remain a T20I highlight.
• Rishabh Pant: First Indian wicketkeeper to score centuries in both innings of a Test (2025).

What Makes This India National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline Rivalry Special?

The India National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline rivalry is a clash of contrasts—India’s flair and passion meet England’s tradition and resilience. From the spin-friendly pitches of Chennai to the swinging conditions of Lord’s, both teams have challenged each other in diverse conditions. The rivalry has evolved with cricket itself, from the gentlemanly games of the 1930s to the aggressive “Bazball” era and India’s fearless new generation.

For fans, it’s about moments that linger—Ganguly’s shirt wave, Kohli’s 149 at Edgbaston, or Siraj’s yorker to seal The Oval thriller. Whether it’s a Test match marathon or a T20I slugfest, India vs. England delivers drama, emotion, and cricketing brilliance.

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, the rivalry promises more fireworks. With India’s young brigade under Shubman Gill and England’s aggressive approach under Ben Stokes, the 2025–2027 World Test Championship and upcoming limited-overs series will add new chapters to this saga. Will India continue their dominance in T20Is? Can England reclaim their Test supremacy at home? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this India National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline rivalry will keep cricket fans glued to their screens.