India National Cricket Team vs England Cricket Team Timeline

September 9, 2025 livuz

The rivalry between the India National Cricket Team and the England Cricket Team is one of the most iconic in world cricket. From their first Test in 1932 to the modern-day clashes in T20 World Cups and ICC tournaments, the two nations have produced countless memorable matches, legendary performances, and intense rivalries that continue to shape cricketing history.In this article, we’ll explore the complete timeline of India vs England encounters across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is, along with key highlights, turning points, and unforgettable moments.

Table of Contents

Early Encounters (1932–1952)

1932: India played its first-ever Test match against England at Lord’s. Though India lost, it marked the beginning of their journey in international cricket.
1933–34: England toured India for the first time. Matches in Bombay (now Mumbai) and Madras (now Chennai) laid the foundation for future tours.
1952: India registered its first Test win against England at Madras, led by the brilliance of Vinoo Mankad and Pankaj Roy.

This period was about India learning the ropes, while England, then a dominant force, tested the newcomers.

1960s–1970s: India’s Rise

1961–62: India clinched its first home series win against England.
1971: Under Ajit Wadekar’s captaincy, India defeated England at The Oval to secure a historic first Test series win in England.
1970s: The rivalry intensified as stars like Sunil Gavaskar and Gundappa Viswanath stood up against England’s formidable fast bowlers.

1980s: World Cup Battles Begin

1983 World Cup: India stunned England in the semifinal at Old Trafford, Manchester. Kapil Dev’s team eventually lifted the World Cup, a turning point for Indian cricket.
1985: In the World Championship of Cricket in Australia, India defeated England in the group stages, showing consistency in limited-overs cricket.

The 1980s saw the rivalry extend from Tests to the new era of ODIs, where India began making a mark.

1990s: The Era of Superstars

1990: At Lord’s, Graham Gooch scored a record 333 runs, while a young Anil Kumble debuted.
1996 World Cup: India eliminated England in the quarterfinal in Bengaluru, thanks to Navjot Singh Sidhu and Ajay Jadeja.
1999 World Cup: England defeated India at Edgbaston, but this was overshadowed by the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash at the same tournament.

The 1990s became a stage for players like Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, and Rahul Dravid, who started shaping India’s dominance.

2000s: India Becomes a Global Power

2002 NatWest Final: One of the most famous India-England matches. India chased down 325 runs at Lord’s, with Ganguly waving his shirt from the balcony.
2007 Test Series: India won a Test series in England after 21 years, led by Dravid, Zaheer Khan, and Kumble.
2008–2011: Both teams fought hard, but England’s win in the 2011 Test series in England saw them rise to the No.1 Test team.

This decade marked India’s shift from challengers to true global contenders, especially in ODIs and Tests abroad.

2010s: A Battle of Equals

2011 World Cup: India and England played a thrilling tie in Bengaluru. Andrew Strauss scored 158, while Tendulkar smashed a century.
2014 Test Series: India struggled in England, but MS Dhoni kept the team competitive.
2016–17: India dominated the Test series at home (4-0), with Virat Kohli, Ashwin, and Jadeja shining.
2018 Test Series in England: England won 4-1, with Alastair Cook retiring on a high. Kohli was India’s lone warrior.
2019 World Cup: England defeated India in the group stages, thanks to Jonny Bairstow’s ton, and later went on to win the trophy.

This period showcased how the rivalry had become more balanced, with both sides capable of beating each other home and away.

2020s: Modern Rivalry & ICC Clashes

2021 Test Series: The five-match Test series was left unfinished due to COVID-19 (later resumed in 2022). England won the rescheduled Test at Edgbaston, but India had already taken the lead earlier.
2022: India dominated in limited-overs series in England, with Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav making a big impact.
T20 World Cup 2022 (Semifinal): England thrashed India by 10 wickets at Adelaide, with Buttler and Hales chasing down 169 effortlessly.
2024–25: The ongoing series and ICC tournaments continue to add new chapters to the rivalry.

Key Players in the Rivalry

India: Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin.
England: Graham Gooch, Ian Botham, Andrew Strauss, Kevin Pietersen, Alastair Cook, Ben Stokes, Joe Root, Jos Buttler.

Head-to-Head Stats (as of 2025)

Tests: Over 130 matches – England holds a slight edge historically, but India dominates in recent years at home.
ODIs: India leads the head-to-head, thanks to dominance in the 2000s and 2010s.
T20Is: The record is fairly balanced, with both sides trading wins.

Conclusion

The India vs England rivalry is more than just cricket it’s a battle of pride, legacy, and evolution. From India’s humble debut at Lord’s in 1932 to high-stakes World Cup clashes and modern-day T20 thrillers, this timeline reflects how both teams have grown, adapted, and pushed each other to greater heights.With emerging stars like Shubman Gill for India and Harry Brook for England, the rivalry promises to get even more exciting in the years ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. When did India and England first play against each other?

India and England first played a Test match in 1932 at Lord’s, London, which was also India’s debut in international cricket.

2. When did India win its first-ever Test against England?

India secured its first Test win against England in 1952 at Madras (now Chennai).

3. What is the most famous India vs England ODI match?

The 2002 NatWest Trophy Final at Lord’s is one of the most famous ODIs, where India chased down 325 runs and Sourav Ganguly celebrated by waving his shirt from the balcony.

4. Have India and England played in World Cup knockout matches?

Yes. The most memorable was the 1983 World Cup semifinal, where India defeated England and went on to win the tournament.

5. What happened in the 2011 World Cup match between India and England?

India and England played a thrilling tie in Bengaluru. Sachin Tendulkar scored 120, while Andrew Strauss made 158.

6. Who are some legendary Indian players in this rivalry?

Notable names include Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma.

7. Who are England’s greatest performers against India?

Graham Gooch, Ian Botham, Alastair Cook, Kevin Pietersen, Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Jos Buttler have been among England’s best against India.

8. What is the biggest T20I clash between India and England?

The 2022 T20 World Cup semifinal is considered a huge moment, where England defeated India by 10 wickets at Adelaide.

9. Which team has the overall advantage in head-to-head record?

In Tests, England holds a slight overall edge historically.
In ODIs, India leads the head-to-head.
In T20Is, the record is nearly balanced.

10. What makes the India vs England rivalry special?

It’s a clash of cricketing cultures—England being the birthplace of cricket and India being its modern-day powerhouse. The mix of history, iconic players, and unforgettable matches makes it one of the greatest rivalries in cricket.