New Delhi, June 9 – The highly anticipated five-match Test series between India and England is scheduled to commence on June 20 at Headingley in Leeds. This time, the Indian side will take the field without two of its most seasoned campaigners, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. In their absence, the responsibility of leading the team has been entrusted to young opener Shubman Gill, who will captain India for the first time in a full overseas Test series.
India last won a Test series on English soil in 2007. Since then, the team has struggled to replicate that success, making this tour a crucial opportunity to end an 18-year drought. As per agency report, India has played a total of 67 Test matches in England so far, managing to win only nine, while losing 36. The remaining 22 matches ended in draws, underlining the challenge of performing consistently in English conditions.
The series, which also marks the beginning of the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship cycle, carries historical weight. Over the years, encounters between these two cricketing giants have produced memorable individual performances, particularly in the batting department. Among the most iconic innings in Test history between India and England is Graham Gooch’s mammoth 333-run knock at Lord’s in July 1990. Gooch occupied the crease for 628 minutes, striking 43 fours and three sixes off 485 deliveries, establishing one of the longest and most dominant performances in the format.
Karun Nair’s unbeaten 303 in Chennai during December 2016 remains India’s highest individual score in Tests against England. Facing 381 balls, Nair’s triple century included 32 boundaries and four sixes, solidifying his place in cricket history.
Another significant effort came from former England captain Alastair Cook, who scored 294 runs in Birmingham in August 2011. Cook’s innings was crafted with immense patience, as he played 545 deliveries and struck 33 fours.
Geoffrey Boycott also etched his name in the record books with a resolute 246 not out in Leeds in June 1967. Playing 555 balls, his innings included 30 boundaries and a six, showcasing his traditional and disciplined batting style.
Ian Bell’s 235-run knock at The Oval in August 2011 stands out as another milestone performance. Batting at number three, Bell faced 364 balls and hit 23 fours and two sixes, anchoring England’s innings with finesse.
With such a rich history of epic battles and legendary performances, the upcoming series promises to add a new chapter to the storied rivalry between India and England. The Indian team, guided by a fresh leader, will be eager to overcome its past setbacks and script a new era of success in English conditions.
