by The England cricket team vs India national cricket team timeline represents one of sport’s most fascinating transformations — a journey from colonial dominance to competitive equality that mirrors the broader historical relationship between these two nations.
Starting on a rainy June day in 1932 at Lord’s and continuing through to the electric contests of 2025, this rivalry has delivered nearly a century of unforgettable cricket moments that have shaped the sport’s evolution.
What makes this rivalry unique isn’t just the quality of cricket — it’s the emotional undercurrent.
England Cricket Team vs India National Cricket Team Timeline
For India, every victory against England carries special weight, representing triumph over the nation that introduced them to the game.
For England, these matches test their cricketing pride against a team that has not only learned from them but often surpassed them.
June 25, 1932: When It All Started at Lord’s
India, still under British colonial rule, stepping onto the hallowed turf of Lord’s Cricket Ground for their very first Test match.
The atmosphere was charged with more than just sporting anticipation. This wasn’t merely cricket — it was symbolic defiance, a colonized nation challenging its colonizer in the colonizer’s own game.
The Match Breakdown:
- England 1st Innings: 259 all out
- India 1st Innings: 189 all out (falling 70 runs behind)
- England 2nd Innings: 275 (Douglas Jardine top-scored with 85)
- India 2nd Innings: 187 all out
- Final Result: England won by 158 runs
Captain C.K. Nayudu led India with courage and determination. Though they lost, the team earned respect for their fighting spirit. Nayudu himself played fearlessly against England’s pace attack, showing that India wouldn’t be intimidated.
Historical Context: This match wasn’t just about cricket statistics. It represented India announcing to the world that they deserved a place at the international sporting table, even while fighting for independence.
| Milestone | Date | Venue | Result | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Test Match | June 25, 1932 | Lord’s | England won by 158 runs | India’s Test cricket debut |
| First Test Win | Feb 6, 1952 | Chennai | India won by innings & 8 runs | India’s breakthrough victory after 20 years |
The Struggle Decades: 1932-1950 (Building Foundation)
For nearly two decades after that Lord’s debut, India struggled mightily against England.
The scoreboard tells a harsh story:
- Tests Played: 17
- India Wins: 0
- England Wins: 10
- Draws: 7
But beneath those statistics, India was learning, growing, and building.
Key Players Emerging:
- Vijay Merchant: Elegant batsman who scored consistently
- Vinoo Mankad: All-rounder who would later become India’s first match-winner against England
- Lala Amarnath: Aggressive batsman who showed India could fight back
The 1946 Tour of England:
India toured England again after World War II. They still couldn’t win a Test, but they were getting closer. The draws showed improvement — India was no longer being blown away in two days.
February 1952: The Breakthrough That Changed Everything
The date: February 6-10, 1952
The venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (then Madras)
After 20 years of trying, India finally defeated England in a Test match.
The Match Details:
India 1st Innings: 457 runs
- Pankaj Roy: 140 runs
- Vinoo Mankad: 72 runs
- Polly Umrigar: 130 runs
England 1st Innings: 266 runs
- Vinoo Mankad: 8 wickets for 55 runs (absolutely devastating)
England 2nd Innings: 183 runs
- Ghulam Ahmed: 5 wickets for 61 runs
- Vinoo Mankad: 4 more wickets
Result: India won by an innings and 8 runs
The Hero: Vinoo Mankad took 12 wickets in the match and scored crucial runs. It was one of the greatest all-round performances in Test cricket history.
The Celebration: When the final wicket fell, the Chennai crowd erupted. People danced in the streets. Fireworks lit up the sky. For independent India (just 4 years old as a nation), this was more than a cricket victory — it was validation.
The 1960s: India Discovers Its Strength
The 1960s marked India’s true arrival as a competitive Test nation.
The 1961-62 Home Series Victory:
India didn’t just beat England — they dominated them.
4th Test (Eden Gardens, Kolkata – December 30, 1961):
- Result: India won by 187 runs
- Stars: Chandu Borde (86), Nawab of Pataudi Jr. (64), Salim Durani (5 wickets)
India posted totals of 380 and 252, while Durani’s spin bowling destroyed England twice.
5th Test (Chennai – January 10, 1962):
- Result: India won by 128 runs
- Back-to-back victories proved this wasn’t a fluke
What Changed?
India had developed genuine match-winners. The Nawab of Pataudi Jr. (the youngest Test captain ever at age 21) brought fearless leadership. Salim Durani’s left-arm spin was unplayable on Indian pitches.
August 1971: Historic Series Win in England
This was the moment India truly came of age.
Under Ajit Wadekar’s calm and strategic leadership, India toured England and won a Test series on English soil for the first time ever.
The Series:
- 1st Test (Lord’s): Draw
- 2nd Test (Old Trafford): Draw
- 3rd Test (The Oval): India won by 4 wickets
The Oval Victory (August 19-24, 1971):
England set India a challenging target. The chase was nervous, but Dilip Sardesai (40) and Gundappa Viswanath (33) held their nerves.
When India crossed the line with 205 minutes remaining, it sent shockwaves through the cricket world.
Impact: This victory announced that India could win anywhere, not just on spinning tracks at home. England’s fortress had been breached.
ODI Cricket Begins: The 1970s-1980s Revolution
First ODI Meeting (July 13, 1974 – Headingley):
The One Day International format was brand new, and India faced England in their first-ever ODI encounter.
- India’s Score: 265/8 in 60 overs
- England’s Chase: 266/6 in 55 overs
- Result: England won by 4 wickets
ODI cricket was fast, aggressive, and perfect for broadcasting — changing cricket forever.
June 7, 1975: The Strangest World Cup Match Ever
This match at Lord’s during the 1975 World Cup remains cricket’s greatest mystery.
England’s Score: 334/4 in 60 overs (Dennis Amiss 137)
India’s Reply: 132/3 in 60 overs
Yes, you read that right. India batted all 60 overs and scored just 132 runs.
The Controversy:
Sunil Gavaskar, India’s opening batsman, batted the entire 60 overs for 36 not out off 174 balls.
Nobody knows why. Some say he was protesting team management. Others say he misunderstood the target. Gavaskar himself has never fully explained it.
Result: England won by 202 runs
This bizarre match became cricket folklore — the day India forgot how to play ODI cricket.
1979-80: Ian Botham’s One-Man Show
February 15, 1980 – Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai:
Ian Botham produced one of cricket’s greatest all-round performances, single-handedly destroying India.
Botham’s Performance:
- With the Bat: 114 runs
- With the Ball: 13 wickets (6/58 in 1st innings, 7/48 in 2nd innings)
Result: England won by 10 wickets
India had no answers. Botham was unplayable with both bat and ball. It remains one of the most dominant individual performances in Test cricket history.
1981-82: India’s First ODI Series Win
But India bounced back quickly.
In the 1981-82 home series, India claimed their first-ever ODI series victory over England.
Key Match (December 20, 1981 – Jamshedpur):
- Result: India won by 6 wickets
- Hero: Dilip Vengsarkar scored unbeaten 88
Decisive Match (January 27, 1982 – Cuttack):
- Result: India won by 5 wickets
- Series: India won 2-1
This series win gave India confidence that they could compete in limited-overs cricket.
June 22, 1983: The World Cup Semi-Final That Changed Indian Cricket Forever
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester
- Tournament: Prudential World Cup 1983
India, the underdogs, faced England in the semi-final on English soil.
- England’s Score: 213 all out in 60 overs (Mike Gatting 41)
- India’s Chase: 217/4 in 54.4 overs
- Key Partnership: Yashpal Sharma (61) and Sandeep Patil (51*) built the match-winning stand.
- Result: India won by 6 wickets
The Impact:
This victory sent India to the World Cup final against the mighty West Indies. Days later, India shocked the world by winning the World Cup.
That 1983 triumph changed Indian cricket forever. It inspired millions, created cricket mania in India, and laid the foundation for India’s future dominance.
The 1990s: Sachin Tendulkar’s Arrival
The 1990s introduced the world to a teenage prodigy who would torment England for two decades: Sachin Tendulkar.
1990 Tour of England:
17-year-old Tendulkar toured England for the first time. Though India lost the series, Tendulkar’s class was obvious to everyone who watched.
1992-93 Home Series: India’s Revenge
India crushed England 3-0 in Tests at home.
| Test | Venue | Result | Star Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Kolkata | India won by 8 wickets | Kapil Dev |
| 2nd | Chennai | India won by innings & 22 runs | Tendulkar, Prabhakar |
| 3rd | Mumbai | India won by innings & 15 runs | Kumble, Raju |
India’s spin attack — Anil Kumble and Venkatapathy Raju — was too good for England’s batsmen.
July 13, 2002: The NatWest Final — India’s Greatest ODI Chase
This match at Lord’s is etched in cricket history.
England’s Score: 325/5 in 50 overs
- Marcus Trescothick: 109
- Nasser Hussain: 115
India’s Target: 326 to win
- The Crisis:
India collapsed to 146/5. The match seemed lost. English players were already celebrating.
- The Miracle:
Yuvraj Singh (69 off 63 balls) and Mohammad Kaif (87* off 75 balls) staged one of cricket’s greatest comebacks.
They added 121 runs for the 6th wicket, turning the match completely.
- The Winning Moment:
When Kaif hit the winning runs with 3 balls remaining, Sourav Ganguly ripped off his shirt and waved it from the Lord’s balcony — an iconic image of Indian cricket’s newfound aggression.
- Result: India won by 2 wickets
This victory symbolized new India — fearless, aggressive, and unafraid of chasing big targets.
September 19, 2007: Yuvraj Singh’s Six Sixes — Cricket’s Most Electric Over
- Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
- Tournament: ICC T20 World Cup
- Match: India vs England (first-ever T20I between the two)
India’s Score: 218/4 in 20 overs
- The Magic:
In the 19th over, Yuvraj Singh faced Stuart Broad.
What happened next has never been repeated:
- Ball 1: SIX (over long-on)
- Ball 2: SIX (over deep mid-wicket)
- Ball 3: SIX (over extra cover)
- Ball 4: SIX (over backward square leg)
- Ball 5: SIX (over long-off)
- Ball 6: SIX (straight down the ground)
36 runs off one over.
Yuvraj reached his fifty in just 12 balls — the fastest in T20I history at the time.
The crowd went wild. Stuart Broad looked shell-shocked. Cricket had never seen anything like it.
- England’s Chase: 200/6 in 20 overs
- Result: India won by 18 runs
India went on to win the inaugural T20 World Cup, and this match became its defining moment.
2011: England’s Revenge — The 4-0 Whitewash
After years of Indian dominance, England struck back brutally.
Test Series in England (July-August 2011):
| Test | Venue | Result | England’s Dominance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Lord’s | England won by 196 runs | Jimmy Anderson destroys India |
| 2nd | Trent Bridge | England won by 319 runs | Stuart Broad runs riot |
| 3rd | Edgbaston | England won by innings & 242 runs | Alastair Cook scores 294 |
| 4th | The Oval | England won by innings & 8 runs | Graeme Swann spins India out |
What Went Wrong for India?
India’s legendary batting lineup — Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman, Ganguly — all struggled in English conditions. England’s pace and spin combination was too good.
This humiliating defeat dethroned India from the No. 1 Test ranking.
2012-13: England Win in India for First Time in 28 Years
England followed up their home triumph with something even more remarkable — winning a Test series in India.
Test Series Result: England won 2-1
- The Hero: Alastair Cook
Cook scored 562 runs in 4 Tests with three centuries on turning Indian pitches. His technique against spin was flawless.
James Anderson’s reverse swing was also lethal, taking 12 wickets despite the conditions favoring spin.
This was England’s first series win in India since 1984-85 — a 28-year gap.
2016-17: Virat Kohli’s India Exacts Complete Revenge
India had been humiliated twice. Now it was payback time.
Test Series at Home: India 4-0 (in a 5-match series)
| Test | Venue | Result | Star Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Rajkot | Draw | — |
| 2nd | Visakhapatnam | India won by 246 runs | Virat Kohli (167 & 81) |
| 3rd | Mohali | India won by 8 wickets | Ravichandran Ashwin |
| 4th | Mumbai | India won by innings & 36 runs | Virat Kohli (235) |
| 5th | Chennai | India won by innings & 75 runs | Karun Nair (303*) |
Historic Moments:
- Virat Kohli scored 655 runs in the series with 4 centuries
- Karun Nair became only the second Indian to score a triple century in Tests (303 not out)
- Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja combined for 56 wickets
England was crushed. The revenge was complete.
June 30, 2019: England’s Crucial World Cup Win
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Tournament: ICC Cricket World Cup 2019
This was a must-win game for England in their home World Cup.
England’s Score: 337/7 in 50 overs
- Jonny Bairstow: 111
- Ben Stokes: 79
India’s Chase: 306/5 in 50 overs
- Rohit Sharma: 102
- Virat Kohli: 66
Result: England won by 31 runs
Key Moment: Liam Plunkett dismissed both Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant in quick succession, breaking India’s chase.
England went on to win the World Cup in a dramatic super-over final against New Zealand.
June 27, 2024: T20 World Cup Semi-Final — India’s Dominance
Venue: Providence Stadium, Guyana
Tournament: ICC T20 World Cup 2024
India’s Score: 171/7 in 20 overs
- Rohit Sharma: 57
- Suryakumar Yadav: 47
England’s Chase: 103 all out in 16.4 overs
Result: India won by 68 runs
Hero: Axar Patel took 3 crucial wickets, dismantling England’s batting order.
India went on to win the T20 World Cup, ending an 11-year ICC trophy drought.
England Tour of India 2025: Complete Domination
The England cricket team vs India national cricket team timeline continued into 2025 with India asserting total home dominance.
T20I Series (January-February 2025)
| Date | Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 22, 2025 | 1st T20I | Eden Gardens, Kolkata | India won by 7 wickets |
| Jan 25, 2025 | 2nd T20I | Chepauk, Chennai | India won by 2 wickets |
| Jan 28, 2025 | 3rd T20I | Rajkot | England won by 26 runs |
| Jan 31, 2025 | 4th T20I | Pune | India won by 15 runs |
| Feb 02, 2025 | 5th T20I | Wankhede, Mumbai | India won by 150 runs |
Series Result: India won 4-1
Standout Performance:
In the 5th T20I at Wankhede, Abhishek Sharma played one of the greatest T20I innings ever seen — 135 runs off just 54 balls.
His strike rate of 250 left England’s bowlers shellshocked. It was a statement innings that showcased India’s batting firepower.
ODI Series (February 2025)
| Date | Match | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 06, 2025 | 1st ODI | Nagpur | India won by 4 wickets |
| Feb 09, 2025 | 2nd ODI | Barabati Stadium, Cuttack | India won by 4 wickets |
| Feb 12, 2025 | 3rd ODI | Narendra Modi Stadium | India won by 142 runs |
Series Result: India won 3-0 (clean sweep)
Star Performer: Shubman Gill was brilliant throughout the series, winning:
- 2 Player of the Match awards
- Player of the Series award
The England tour of India 2025 squad featured quality players like Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, and Joe Root, but they couldn’t handle India’s balanced attack and home advantage.
According to cricket analysts, the India vs England win probability today always favors India at home due to spin-friendly pitches and crowd support.
Complete Head-to-Head Records: All Formats
| Format | Matches | India Wins | England Wins | Draws/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 136 | 33 | 51 | 52 |
| ODIs | 110 | 59 | 45 | 6 |
| T20Is | 29 | 20 | 9 | 0 |
| Total | 275 | 112 | 105 | 58 |
Key Insights:
- England still leads in Test cricket (51-33)
- India dominates ODI cricket (59-45)
- India is far superior in T20Is (20-9)
- Overall, the rivalry is nearly even with India slightly ahead (112-105)
India vs England Test Series History: Complete Analysis
Home vs Away Performance:
India’s Record:
- At Home: 25 wins, 9 losses, 28 draws
- In England: 8 wins, 42 losses, 24 draws
England’s Record:
- At Home: 42 wins, 8 losses, 24 draws
- In India: 9 wins, 25 losses, 28 draws
Trend: Both teams dominate in their home conditions, with India’s spin attack being unplayable at home, while England’s pace and swing bowling thrives in English conditions.
India National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Stats ODI
Highest Team Scores:
| Team | Score | Venue | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 338/8 | Rajkot | 2021 |
| India | 336/5 | Jamshedpur | 1982 |
Most Runs in India vs England ODIs:
| Player | Country | Runs | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virat Kohli | India | 1,200+ | 65+ |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 1,000+ | 55+ |
| Joe Root | England | 900+ | 48+ |
Most Wickets:
| Player | Country | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| James Anderson | England | 32 |
| Zaheer Khan | India | 30 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | India | 28 |
Legendary Performers Who Defined This Rivalry
🇮🇳 India’s Icons
Sachin Tendulkar
- Runs vs England: 2,535 (Tests), 1,573 (ODIs)
- Centuries: 7 (Tests), 4 (ODIs)
- Played 200 innings across formats against England
Virat Kohli
- Runs vs England: 2,200+ (all formats)
- Centuries: 8 across formats
- Average of 52+ in Tests against England
Kapil Dev
- Led India to 1983 World Cup glory
- Took 200+ wickets against England across formats
Anil Kumble
- Wickets vs England: 92 (Tests)
- India’s greatest match-winner with the ball
🏴 England’s Legends
Alastair Cook
- Runs vs India: 2,431 (Tests)
- Centuries: 7
- Led England’s 2011 and 2012-13 triumphs
James Anderson
- Wickets vs India: 100+ (all formats)
- Master of swing and reverse swing
Ian Botham
- 13-wicket match haul at Mumbai (1980)
- One of cricket’s greatest all-rounders
Kevin Pietersen
- Scored crucial centuries in winning causes
- Aggressive batsman who dominated Indian bowling
Most Memorable Venues in This Rivalry
| Venue | Country | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Lord’s (London) | England | India’s Test debut (1932), NatWest Final (2002) |
| MA Chidambaram (Chennai) | India | India’s first Test win (1952) |
| The Oval (London) | England | India’s first series win in England (1971) |
| Old Trafford (Manchester) | England | 1983 World Cup semi-final |
| Edgbaston (Birmingham) | England | Alastair Cook’s 294 (2011), Yuvraj’s heroics (2002) |
| Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai) | India | Botham’s 13-wicket match (1980), 2025 T20I dominance |
| Eden Gardens (Kolkata) | India | Multiple historic Tests and ODIs |
Looking Ahead: India Tour of England 2025
The next major chapter in the England cricket team vs India national cricket team timeline today will be written during the India tour of England 2025 T20 and Test series, tentatively scheduled for July-August 2025.
Expected Format:
- 5 Test matches (part of ICC World Test Championship)
- 3 ODIs
- 3 T20Is
Key Battles to Watch:
- Jasprit Bumrah vs England’s top order
- Shubman Gill vs James Anderson (if he plays)
- Ravichandran Ashwin vs Joe Root
- Ben Stokes’ captaincy vs Rohit Sharma’s leadership
Prediction: England will be desperate to bounce back after their 2025 humiliation in India. English conditions will suit their pace attack, making this a much tighter contest.
What Makes This Rivalry Special?
- Historical Depth: This rivalry began when India was colonized and cricket was introduced by the British. Every match carries echoes of that history.
- Contrasting Styles: England traditionally relies on pace and swing. India relies on spin and adaptability. When they clash, it’s a tactical chess match.
- Mutual Respect: Despite fierce competition, there’s deep respect. England taught India the game; India has mastered it.
- Emotional Investment: For Indian fans, beating England means something extra. For English fans, maintaining superiority against India is about pride.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did India first play England in cricket?
India played their first Test match against England on June 25, 1932, at Lord’s Cricket Ground. England won by 158 runs.
- What is the overall India vs England all match result?
Across all formats (275 matches), India has won 112 times, England has won 105 times, with 58 draws or no results.
- Who has more ODI wins between India and England?
India leads the ODI rivalry 59-45 after 110 matches, showing their dominance in limited-overs cricket.
- What was the England tour of India 2025 result?
India dominated comprehensively, winning the T20I series 4-1 and sweeping the ODI series 3-0. Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma were the standout performers.
- When is the next India vs England series?
The next series is expected in July-August 2025 when India tours England for Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.
Final Thoughts: A Rivalry That Transcends Cricket
The England cricket team vs India national cricket team timeline is more than a sporting record — it’s a narrative of empowerment, evolution, and excellence.
From C.K. Nayudu’s brave debut in 1932 to Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 135 in 2025, this rivalry has witnessed India’s transformation from colonial subjects to cricketing superpowers.
England gave India the gift of cricket. India has repaid them by becoming masters of the game, creating one of sport’s most balanced and fascinating rivalries.
Whether at Lord’s or Chennai, Edgbaston or Wankhede, whenever these two teams meet, history is watching.
Because this isn’t just cricket — it’s a century-long conversation between two nations, told through bat and ball, passion and pride.
The timeline continues, and every new chapter promises to be as compelling as those that came before.
