The rivalry between the India National Cricket Team and the England Cricket Team is one of the most iconic in the sport’s history. Spanning more than nine decades, this timeline captures unforgettable matches, historic series, and the evolution of two cricketing giants.

1932 – India’s Test Debut at Lord’s

• India played its first-ever Test match at Lord’s in June 1932 against England.

• Though England won, India’s entry into Test cricket marked the beginning of a historic rivalry.

1952 – India’s First Test Victory Over England

• After two decades of struggle, India defeated England for the first time at Madras (now Chennai).

• This victory showcased India’s growing strength in international cricket.

1971 – India’s First Series Win in England

• Led by Ajit Wadekar, India stunned England by winning the series 1–0.

• Legendary spinner BS Chandrasekhar played a vital role in the Oval Test.

1986 – Dominance in England

• India toured England and won the Test series 2–0 under Kapil Dev.

• This marked India’s second series victory on English soil.

2002 – NatWest Final at Lord’s

• One of the most iconic ODIs in cricket history.

• India chased down 326, thanks to Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh, and Sourav Ganguly’s shirt-waving celebration on the balcony became legendary.

2007 – India’s Test Triumph in England

• Under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy, India won the Test series in England after 21 years.

• Zaheer Khan’s brilliant bowling stood out in the series.

2011 – England Dominate

• England whitewashed India 4–0 in the Test series, rising to the No. 1 spot in ICC Test rankings.

• It was a tough phase for India, exposing weaknesses overseas.

2014 – Kohli’s Struggles

• Virat Kohli endured a nightmare tour in England, averaging just 13.5.

• James Anderson dominated him, sparking a personal rivalry that would become one of cricket’s most talked-about battles.

2018 – Kohli’s Redemption

• On the next tour, Virat Kohli silenced critics by scoring 593 runs in the Test series.

• Although India lost 4–1, Kohli’s batting stood out as a highlight.

2021 – India’s Historic Wins in England

• India defeated England at Lord’s and The Oval in dramatic fashion.

• Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Rohit Sharma were stars.

• The fifth Test of the series was postponed due to COVID-19, later played in 2022.

2022 – Series Drawn 2–2

• When the rescheduled Test was played at Edgbaston, England won to level the series 2–2.

• Jonny Bairstow’s explosive batting under coach Brendon McCullum’s “Bazball” era dominated headlines.

2024 – India’s Home Dominance

• India defeated England 4–1 in a five-Test series at home.

• Yashasvi Jaiswal emerged as a new star, while England’s Bazball met its toughest challenge.

2025 – Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy Announcement

• In early 2025, the BCCI and ECB announced that future Test series between India and England would be played under the “Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy”, honoring two legends of the game.

• The next series between the two teams promises to add a new chapter in their fierce rivalry.

Conclusion

The India vs England cricket timeline is a journey of tradition, rivalry, and unforgettable cricketing moments. From India’s debut at Lord’s in 1932 to the newly announced Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy in 2025, this battle continues to shape the future of Test cricket.

Fans around the world eagerly await the next chapter of this historic rivalry.