The India vs England Test Series has long been one of the most thrilling rivalries in international cricket.
Spanning nearly a century, this iconic contest represents not just two great cricketing nations but also a deep-rooted competitive spirit that has given birth to many unforgettable moments.
As we approach the India vs England Test Series 2025, all eyes are set on June 20, when the two sides clash in the opening Test at Headingley. With India coming off a historic WTC triumph and England looking to assert dominance at home, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The history of this rivalry began in 1932 when India played its first-ever Test match at Lord’s, London. Led by C.K. Nayudu, India fought bravely but lost the match by 158 runs. That game laid the foundation for what would become one of Test cricket’s richest legacies.
Over the decades, the contest has evolved with dramatic tours, individual brilliance, and memorable series. The 1971 Indian tour of England marked their first Test series win in England under Ajit Wadekar. In the early 2000s, England began to dominate at home, while India started conquering their opponents on home soil with their spin might.
2002 Headingley Test: Dravid, Tendulkar, and Ganguly powered India to a rare win in seaming English conditions.
2012 Mumbai Test: England scripted a dramatic comeback on a turning track with Kevin Pietersen’s masterclass.
2021 Lord’s & Oval Tests: India outplayed England in swinging conditions, with memorable bowling performances from Bumrah and Siraj.
INDIA | MATCHES 136 | ENGLAND |
35 | Won | 51 |
51 | Lost | 35 |
50 | Draw | 50 |
0 | Tie | 0 |
Highest team total: England – 710/7d (1950s)
Best bowling figures in a match: Jim Laker – 19 wickets (1956)
Most runs (overall): Joe Root – 2846 runs vs India
Most wickets (overall): James Anderson – 149 wickets vs India
The numbers reflect England’s historical edge, especially at home. However, in recent years, India has significantly closed the gap, particularly through away wins and improved fast-bowling performance.
The England tour marks India’s first complete red-ball series, featuring five Test matches scheduled at iconic venues across the country.
Sai Sudarshan: Having a fabulous season in the IPL he will try to conquer England.
Yashasvi Jaiswal: Aggressive left-handed opener, crucial for fast starts.
Jasprit Bumrah: The pace spearhead, vital with the new ball in English conditions.
Joe Root: Technically sound, dependable, and dominant against India.
Ben Stokes: Captain, all-round threat, and England’s emotional leader.
Chris Woakes: a bowling all-rounder who can take wickets early in the innings.
Overcast weather is expected, favouring bowlers, making Days 1 and 2 critical for both teams.
Player | Test Runs vs Opponent | Test Wickets vs Opponent |
Joe Root | 2846 runs | — |
Virat Kohli | 1991 runs | — |
Jasprit Bumrah | — | 60 wickets |
James Anderson | — | 149 wickets |
Although Virat Kohli and James Anderson are absent from this Test series due to their recent retirements from red-ball cricket, fans will be eager to witness strong performances from stars like KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Ben Stokes, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Players | Matches | Innings | Runs | Average |
Joe Root | 31 | 55 | 2846 | 58.08 |
Sachin Tendulkar | 32 | 52 | 2535 | 51.73 |
Sunil Gavaskar | 38 | 67 | 2483 | 38.20 |
Alastair Cook | 30 | 54 | 2431 | 47.66 |
Virat Kohli | 28 | 50 | 1991 | 42.36 |
Players | Matches | Innings | Wickets | Average |
James Anderson | 39 | 73 | 149 | 25.47 |
Ravichandran Ashwin | 24 | 45 | 114 | 27.72 |
Bhagwath Chandrasekhar | 23 | 38 | 95 | 27.27 |
Anil Kumble | 19 | 36 | 92 | 30.59 |
Bishan Bedi | 22 | 36 | 85 | 29.87 |
What Makes This Rivalry Special
Legacy vs Modern Power: England has the tradition, India has the modern dominance.
Conditions Clash: England thrives on swing and seam, while India dominates spin conditions.
Crowd and Culture: The Indian diaspora in the UK brings the series to life.
Verbal Duels & Passion: From Jaiswal’s explosive batting to Stokes’ resilience, passion defines this series.
This rivalry often produces edge-of-the-seat action and sees two contrasting styles of cricket collide.
The fanfare around this series is massive. The Headingley Test is already sold out, and tickets for Lord’s and The Oval are seeing record demand.
The India vs England Test Series is not merely another encounter; it represents a storied rivalry between two cricketing powerhouses. With India entering the series on a wave of confidence under the leadership of Shubman Gill, and England undergoing a strategic revival led by Ben Stokes, the 2025 edition is expected to deliver high-quality Test cricket. The journey from cricket’s earliest Tests to the modern World Test Championship begins with the influence of the Godfather of Cricket,Godfather of Cricket, W.G. Grace, and this upcoming clash continues that timeless legacy. June 20, 2025, is a date all cricket enthusiasts should note—an iconic chapter in the sport’s history awaits.
I’m Avijit Brahma, a cricket enthusiast who enjoys dissecting games, evaluating player performances, and offering my opinions on the sport. I’m here to share my thoughts, ideas, and everything about cricket, whether it’s a thrilling finish or a knock that breaks records. Let’s have a proper conversation about cricket!