Cricket is more than just a game in India and England; it’s a passion that runs deep in the veins of the people of these two cricket-loving nations. The rivalry between the India National Cricket Team and the England Cricket Team is one of the oldest and most storied in the history of the sport. From Test matches to One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 (T20) games, this rivalry has seen some of the most memorable moments in cricket history. In this article, we will delve into the complete timeline of matches played between India and England, covering all formats of the game.
India National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline
Below is a comprehensive timeline of all the matches played between the India National Cricket Team and the England Cricket Team. The matches are categorized by format—Test, ODI, and T20.
| Date | Format | Match Type | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1932 | Test | 1st Test Match | Lord’s, London | England won by 158 runs |
| 1946 | Test | 2nd Test Match | Lord’s, London | Drawn |
| 1946 | Test | 3rd Test Match | Old Trafford, Manchester | Drawn |
| 1951-52 | Test | 4th Test Match | Delhi | England won by 8 wickets |
| 1952 | Test | 5th Test Match | The Oval, London | India won by an innings and 8 runs |
| 1961-62 | Test | 6th Test Match | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | India won by 187 runs |
| 1971 | Test | 7th Test Match | The Oval, London | India won by 4 wickets |
| 1974 | Test | 8th Test Match | Edgbaston, Birmingham | England won by an innings and 78 runs |
| 1979 | Test | 9th Test Match | Lord’s, London | Drawn |
| 1984-85 | ODI | 1st ODI Match | Headingley, Leeds | England won by 9 wickets |
| 1986 | Test | 10th Test Match | Lord’s, London | India won by 5 wickets |
| 1987 | ODI | 2nd ODI Match | Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai | India won by 5 wickets |
| 1990 | Test | 11th Test Match | Lord’s, London | England won by 247 runs |
| 1992 | ODI | 3rd ODI Match | Edgbaston, Birmingham | England won by 9 runs |
| 1993 | Test | 12th Test Match | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | India won by an innings and 22 runs |
| 1996 | Test | 13th Test Match | Edgbaston, Birmingham | England won by 8 wickets |
| 2001 | Test | 14th Test Match | Lord’s, London | Drawn |
| 2002 | ODI | 4th ODI Match | Lord’s, London | India won by 2 wickets |
| 2007 | Test | 15th Test Match | Trent Bridge, Nottingham | India won by 7 wickets |
| 2008 | ODI | 5th ODI Match | Lord’s, London | England won by 7 wickets |
| 2011 | Test | 16th Test Match | Lord’s, London | England won by 196 runs |
| 2012 | Test | 17th Test Match | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | England won by 7 wickets |
| 2013 | T20 | 1st T20 Match | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | India won by 5 runs |
| 2014 | Test | 18th Test Match | The Oval, London | England won by an innings and 244 runs |
| 2017 | ODI | 6th ODI Match | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | India won by 15 runs |
| 2018 | Test | 19th Test Match | Lord’s, London | England won by an innings and 159 runs |
| 2021 | Test | 20th Test Match | Lord’s, London | India won by 151 runs |
| 2022 | T20 | 2nd T20 Match | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad | India won by 36 runs |
Table of Contents
Test Matches
The rivalry between India and England in Test cricket dates back to 1932 when India played its first-ever Test match at Lord’s, London. England dominated the early encounters, but over the years, India grew stronger and started posing a serious challenge to the English team. Some of the most memorable Test matches include India’s historic win at The Oval in 1971, which was their first Test victory on English soil, and the thrilling victory at Lord’s in 2021.
One Day Internationals (ODIs)
The first ODI between India and England was played in 1984 at Headingley, Leeds. England won that match convincingly, but India soon found its footing in the shorter format of the game. Over the years, India has had the upper hand in many crucial encounters, including the iconic 2002 NatWest Series final at Lord’s, where India chased down a daunting target, leading to an unforgettable celebration by captain Sourav Ganguly.
Twenty20 Internationals (T20s)
The T20 format has added a new dimension to the India-England rivalry. The first T20 match between the two teams was played in 2013 at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, where India emerged victorious. Since then, the two teams have had several close encounters, with both sides showcasing their prowess in the shortest format of the game.
The Early Years: 1932–1950
India’s First Test Tour of England (1932)
The India National Cricket Team made its Test debut against England in 1932. The match was played at Lord’s, London, and was a historic moment for Indian cricket. Although India lost the match by 158 runs, it marked the beginning of India’s journey in Test cricket.
Post-War Era (1946)
After World War II, India toured England again in 1946. This series was significant as it was India’s first Test series after gaining independence. The series consisted of three matches, with England winning one and the other two ending in draws. The matches were hard-fought, and the Indian team showed considerable improvement.
The 1950s to 1970s: Growth and Challenges
India’s First Test Victory (1952)
India registered its first Test victory against England in 1952 at Madras (now Chennai). This was a landmark moment in Indian cricket, as it ended a long wait for a Test win. The Indian team, led by Vijay Hazare, defeated England by an innings and 8 runs, signaling India’s arrival on the world stage.
The 1971 Triumph
The 1971 series between India and England is perhaps one of the most iconic in the history of Indian cricket. Under the captaincy of Ajit Wadekar, India won its first Test series in England, with a historic victory at The Oval. This win was instrumental in boosting the confidence of the Indian team, leading to greater success in the future.
The 1980s: The Rise of Limited-Overs Cricket
The Introduction of ODIs
The 1980s saw the rise of limited-overs cricket, and the India-England rivalry took on a new dimension with the introduction of ODIs. The first ODI between the two teams was played in 1984, with England emerging victorious. However, India quickly adapted to the format and became a formidable force in ODIs.
The 1986 Series
The 1986 Test series in England was a turning point for Indian cricket. India won the series 2-0, with victories at Lord’s and Headingley. This series win was significant as it was India’s first Test series victory in England since 1971. The Indian team, led by Kapil Dev, displayed remarkable resilience and skill, cementing India’s status as a strong cricketing nation.
The 1990s: A Decade of Change
The Emergence of New Talent
The 1990s saw the emergence of new cricketing talent in both India and England. Players like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Anil Kumble became key figures in the Indian team, while England had players like Michael Atherton and Alec Stewart. The matches between the two teams during this period were highly competitive, with both sides showcasing their skills.
The 1996 World Cup
The 1996 Cricket World Cup, co-hosted by India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, featured a memorable encounter between India and England in the quarterfinals. India won the match, thanks to a brilliant century by Navjot Singh Sidhu and an all-around performance by the team. This victory propelled India into the semifinals, where they eventually lost to Sri Lanka.
The 2000s: A New Era of Dominance
India’s Tour of England (2002)
The 2002 tour of England was one of the most memorable in recent history. The NatWest Series final at Lord’s saw India chase down a target of 325, thanks to a brilliant partnership between Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif. The victory was celebrated with Sourav Ganguly’s iconic shirt-waving moment on the Lord’s balcony, symbolizing India’s new-found confidence in limited-overs cricket.
The 2007 Test Series
The 2007 Test series in England was another high point for Indian cricket. India won the series 1-0, with victories at Trent Bridge and a hard-fought draw at Lord’s. This series win was significant as it was India’s first Test series victory in England in 21 years.
The 2010s: A Decade of Intense Rivalry
The 2011 World Cup
The 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup saw India and England face off in a thrilling group stage match in Bangalore. The match ended in a dramatic tie, with both teams scoring 338 runs. This match highlighted the intense rivalry between the two teams and set the stage for a highly competitive tournament, which India eventually won.
India’s Dominance at Home
The 2012 Test series in India saw England triumph over India 2-1, but India bounced back strongly in the following years. The Indian team, under the leadership of players like Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, dominated England at home, winning several Test and ODI series.
The 2018 Series
The 2018 Test series in England was a closely contested affair. While England won the series 4-1, the matches were highly competitive, with several close finishes. Virat Kohli’s brilliant batting performances were a highlight of the series, even though India ended up on the losing side.
The 2020s: The Rivalry Continues
The 2021 Test Series
The 2021 Test series between India and England was one of the most exciting in recent memory. India won the series 2-1, with memorable victories at Lord’s and The Oval. The series was marked by intense competition, with both teams showing their resilience and fighting spirit. The victory at Lord’s, in particular, was a highlight, as India won by 151 runs in a dramatic finish.
The 2022 T20 Series
In the T20 format, India continued to assert its dominance over England. The 2022 T20 series saw India win the series 2-1, with notable performances from players like Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. The series was a testament to India’s growing strength in the shortest format of the game.
Conclusion
The India National Cricket Team vs. England Cricket Team rivalry is one of the most enduring and celebrated in the history of cricket. Over the decades, this rivalry has produced some of the most thrilling and memorable moments in the sport. From historic Test matches to high-stakes ODIs and electrifying T20s, the encounters between these two teams have never failed to captivate cricket fans around the world.
As the two teams continue to evolve and new talents emerge, the rivalry between India and England is set to grow even stronger. Whether it’s the traditional Test format, the fast-paced ODIs, or the explosive T20s, every match between India and England is eagerly anticipated by fans and players alike. The future promises even more exciting encounters, adding new chapters to the rich history of India vs. England cricket.
The timeline of matches between these two cricketing giants is a testament to their enduring rivalry and the passion they bring to the game. With each match, the legacy of India vs. England cricket continues to grow, cementing its place in the annals of cricket history.
Also read – Where to watch India national cricket team vs New Zealand national cricket team live across TV, streaming, and more.
