Cricket is more than just a sport in england cricket team vs india national cricket team matches—it’s a passion that unites millions of fans. The matches between the England Cricket Team and the India National Cricket Team are some of the most exciting and closely watched contests in the world. This rivalry, steeped in history, showcases incredible talent, fierce competition, and unforgettable moments. Whether it’s a thrilling Test match, a high-energy One-Day International (ODI), or a fast-paced T20, these games always deliver drama and excitement. In this article, we’ll dive into the history, key moments, recent encounters, and what makes England vs India matches so special, all in a way that’s easy to understand for fans of all ages.
A Brief History of england cricket team vs india national cricket team matches
The cricketing rivalry between england cricket team vs india national cricket team matches dates back to 1932 when India played their first-ever Test match against England at Lord’s, the home of cricket. Since then, the two teams have faced off in hundreds of matches across all formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20s. According to records, as of January 2025, India and England have played 141 Test matches, with England winning 53, India winning 37, and 51 ending in draws. This long-standing rivalry has evolved over the decades, with both teams producing legendary players and iconic moments.
In the early years, England dominated, thanks to their experience and home advantage. But as Indian cricket grew, especially after independence in 1947, the team became a powerhouse. By the 1970s and 1980s, players like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, and Sachin Tendulkar turned India into a formidable force. Meanwhile, England brought their own stars like Ian Botham, Kevin Pietersen, and Joe Root to the battle. Today, the rivalry is more balanced, with both teams showcasing world-class talent and strategies.
Why england cricket team vs india national cricket team matches Are So Exciting
What makes england cricket team vs india national cricket team matches so thrilling? It’s a mix of history, contrasting styles, and passionate fan bases. England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach in Tests, which focuses on attacking batting, contrasts with India’s blend of solid technique and spin-heavy bowling. In limited-overs formats, both teams boast explosive batters and clever bowlers, making every ball a potential game-changer.
The cultural significance also adds to the excitement. For Indian fans, beating England, the birthplace of cricket, is a matter of pride. For English fans, facing India’s star-studded lineup is a chance to prove their team’s mettle. Whether it’s a packed stadium in Mumbai or a lively crowd at Lord’s, the atmosphere during these matches is electric.
Key Moments in england cricket team vs india national cricket team matches History
Over the years, england cricket team vs india national cricket team matches have produced moments that fans still talk about. Here are some highlights:
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1983 World Cup Victory: India’s stunning win over England in the 1983 World Cup semi-final paved the way for their historic title triumph. Kapil Dev’s leadership and all-round performance were unforgettable.
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2012 England’s Test Series Win in India: England’s 2-1 Test series victory in India in 2012-13, led by Alastair Cook, was their last Test series win on Indian soil. Kevin Pietersen’s brilliant 186 in Mumbai was a turning point.
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2021 India’s Comeback at Lord’s: India’s thrilling win at Lord’s in 2021, powered by Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery bowling and KL Rahul’s century, showed their resilience.
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2024 India’s 4-1 Test Series Win: In the 2023-24 series in India, the hosts bounced back from a first-Test loss to dominate England 4-1, with standout performances from Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
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2025 Test Series Draw: The 2025 Test series in England ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with India pulling off a dramatic 6-run win in the fifth Test at The Oval, thanks to Mohammed Siraj’s heroic bowling.
These moments show how both teams have pushed each other to the limit, creating memories that last a lifetime.
Recent Encounters: 2024 and 2025 Series
2023-24 England Tour of India
In early 2024, England toured India for a five-match Test series, part of the 2023-2025 ICC World Test Championship. The series was a rollercoaster. England shocked India in the first Test in Hyderabad, recovering from a 190-run deficit to win by 28 runs, thanks to Ollie Pope’s 196 and debutant Tom Hartley’s 7/62. But India roared back, winning the next four Tests to seal a 4-1 series victory. Key performances included:
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Shubman Gill’s century in the second Test, helping India set a challenging target.
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Jasprit Bumrah’s lethal bowling, taking 6/45 in one innings.
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Ravichandran Ashwin’s record-breaking 36th five-wicket haul in Tests.
India’s dominance at home, especially their spin bowling, overwhelmed England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach. This series showed India’s depth, with young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal stepping up alongside veterans like Ashwin.
2025 India Tour of England
The 2025 Test series in England was a closely fought battle, ending in a 2-2 draw. The series, part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship, featured five Tests at iconic venues like Headingley, Edgbaston, and The Oval. Here’s a quick look at the series:
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First Test (Headingley, June 20-24): England won by 5 wickets, chasing 371, with Ben Duckett’s 149 and Joe Root’s composure sealing the game. India’s five centuries in the match, including Shubman Gill’s double ton, weren’t enough due to dropped catches and a batting collapse.
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Second Test (Edgbaston, July 2-6): India bounced back, with Rishabh Pant’s explosive batting and Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling leading to a big win.
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Fifth Test (The Oval, July 31-August 4): India scripted a thrilling 6-run victory to level the series. England, needing 374, fell short at 367, with Mohammed Siraj’s five-wicket haul, including a match-winning yorker to Gus Atkinson, stealing the show.
The series was a testament to both teams’ resilience, with young stars like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Harry Brook shining alongside veterans like Joe Root and KL Rahul.
Limited-Overs Matches in 2025
England toured India in January-February 2025 for a limited-overs series, including five T20Is and three ODIs. India dominated the ODI series, winning 3-0, with victories in Nagpur, Cuttack, and Ahmedabad. The T20I series was more competitive, with India winning 3-2. Jos Buttler led England, but India’s strong batting lineup, including Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma, proved too much.
Key Players to Watch
Both teams have a mix of experienced stars and exciting youngsters. Here are some players who often make headlines in England vs India matches:
India National Cricket Team
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Shubman Gill: The young captain scored a maiden double century in 2025 and is a consistent run-getter.
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Jasprit Bumrah: A world-class pacer, Bumrah’s 23 wickets in the 2025 series matched the record for most wickets by an Indian in a Test series in England.
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Rishabh Pant: The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter became the first Indian to score centuries in both innings of a Test in 2025.
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Ravichandran Ashwin: India’s spin maestro, with a record 36 five-wicket hauls in Tests, is a game-changer.
England Cricket Team
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Joe Root: England’s batting backbone, Root became the first player to score 3,000 Test runs against India in 2025.
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Ben Stokes: The all-rounder and captain is known for his aggressive leadership and clutch performances, like his century and five-wicket haul in the same Test in 2025.
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Ben Duckett: His match-winning 149 in the first Test of 2025 showed his attacking flair.
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James Anderson: The veteran pacer, now retired, was a constant threat in earlier series, reaching 700 Test wickets in 2024.
england cricket team vs india national cricket team matches Head-to-Head Stats
Here’s a quick look at the head-to-head record between England and India as of January 2025:
|
Format |
Matches Played |
England Wins |
India Wins |
Draws/Ties/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Test |
141 | 53 | 37 | 51 |
|
ODI |
103 | 44 | 55 |
2 (2 no results) |
|
T20I |
23 | 11 | 12 | 0 |
Note: These stats are based on available data and may evolve with future matches.
India has a slight edge in ODIs, while England leads in Tests. T20Is are neck-and-neck, making every encounter unpredictable.
Upcoming Matches
Looking ahead, England and India will face off again in 2026 during India’s tour of England. The schedule includes:
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1st T20I: July 1, 2026, Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street
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2nd T20I: July 4, 2026, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
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3rd T20I: July 7, 2026, Trent Bridge, Nottingham
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4th T20I: July 10, 2026, venue TBD
These T20Is promise high-octane action, with both teams likely to field strong lineups. Fans can also expect Test matches later in 2026, though exact dates are yet to be confirmed.
What Makes This england cricket team vs india national cricket team matches Rivalry Special?
The england cricket team vs india national cricket team matches rivalry is special for several reasons:
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Contrasting Styles: England’s aggressive, fast-paced approach contrasts with India’s blend of flair and resilience, making for fascinating battles.
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Iconic Venues: Matches at Lord’s, The Oval, Eden Gardens, or Wankhede Stadium add a layer of prestige.
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Star Power: From Sachin Tendulkar to Joe Root, both teams have produced cricketing legends who elevate the contest.
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Fan Passion: The massive fan bases in both countries create an unmatched atmosphere, whether in stadiums or on social media.
How to Follow england cricket team vs india national cricket team matches
Want to catch the action? Here’s how:
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Live TV/Streaming: In India, matches are often broadcast on Star Sports or streamed on Disney+ Hotstar. In the UK, Sky Sports is the go-to channel.
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Live Scores: Websites like ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and the ICC Match Centre provide ball-by-ball updates.
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Tickets: For live matches in England, check the ECB website or venues like Edgbaston and Lord’s for tickets.
Conclusion
The england cricket team vs india national cricket team matches rivalry is one of the greatest in sports. From historic Test matches to thrilling T20s, these games bring out the best in both teams. With young stars like Shubman Gill and Harry Brook joining veterans like Joe Root and Jasprit Bumrah, the future of this rivalry looks brighter than ever. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to cricket, England vs India matches offer something for everyone—drama, skill, and passion. So, grab your jersey, pick your side, and get ready for the next epic showdown!
