India’s cricketing rivalry with England is one of the oldest and most fiercely contested in international cricket. Over the years, the two nations have faced off in countless memorable Test matches. However, India’s most recent Test win against England was a historic one, and it took place during the 2021 series, which also marked India’s triumph in England after 14 years.
The Context: India’s Last Test Series Win in England (2021)
India’s victory in the 2021 Test series in England was part of the ICC World Test Championship 2019-21, and it was the culmination of a historic tour that saw India register their first Test series win in England since 2007. This victory was a major milestone for Indian cricket, as it not only demonstrated their growing prowess in foreign conditions but also showed their resilience and adaptability in challenging English conditions.
The 5-Match Test Series: India vs. England (2021)
The series was played from August 4 to September 14, 2021, with the final match being held at Old Trafford, Manchester. The series comprised five Test matches, and it was characterized by fluctuating fortunes, dramatic twists, and individual brilliance from both teams.
India won the series 2-1, with the final match being a rain-affected draw, which allowed India to seal their historic series win with one match to spare. The victory was significant because, before this, India had not won a Test series in England since 2007, when Rahul Dravid led India to a 1-0 victory in the three-match series.
Detailed Overview of the 2021 Series
Let’s take a closer look at the matches in the 2021 series and highlight India’s most recent win in that context.
| Match | Date | Venue | Result | India’s Key Performers | England’s Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | August 4-8, 2021 | Trent Bridge, Nottingham | Draw | KL Rahul (84, 26), Rishabh Pant (25) | Rory Burns (132), Joe Root (64) |
| 2nd Test | August 12-16, 2021 | Lord’s Cricket Ground, London | India won by 151 runs | KL Rahul (129), Mohammed Siraj (4/32) | Joe Root (180), James Anderson (3/30) |
| 3rd Test | August 25-29, 2021 | Headingley, Leeds | England won by an innings and 76 runs | Ajinkya Rahane (61) | Joe Root (121), Craig Overton (3/14) |
| 4th Test | September 2-6, 2021 | The Oval, London | India won by 157 runs | Rishabh Pant (125), Shardul Thakur (60, 3/64) | Joe Root (36), Ollie Pope (81) |
| 5th Test | September 10-14, 2021 | Old Trafford, Manchester | Draw | Shubman Gill (50), Ajinkya Rahane (61) | Joe Root (56), Ollie Robinson (3/42) |
Key Highlights of India’s Victory in the 2021 Series
1. India’s Win at Lord’s: A Historic Triumph (2nd Test)
The second Test match at Lord’s was a landmark win for India. India secured a memorable victory by 151 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. The match was particularly remarkable because of India’s spirited fightback after a shaky start in the first innings.
- KL Rahul’s stunning century (129) in the first innings and an excellent bowling performance by Mohammed Siraj (4/32) were the standout performances of the match.
- India’s bowling unit dominated England in the second innings, reducing them to just 120 all out, with Siraj and Shami wreaking havoc.
- India’s win at Lord’s ended a 14-year drought for them, as they hadn’t won a Test series in England since 2007.
2. The Oval Victory: India Takes Unassailable Lead (4th Test)
The 4th Test at The Oval was another historic win for India. India defeated England by 157 runs, which gave them an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series. The match was notable for several key performances:
- Rishabh Pant played a brilliant knock of 125 runs, anchoring India’s first innings and helping them post a total of 466.
- Shardul Thakur also played a pivotal role, contributing with the bat (60 runs) and ball (3/64), cementing his reputation as a valuable all-rounder.
- India’s bowlers, especially Umesh Yadav and Mohammad Siraj, did a great job in the second innings, with England being bowled out for 210.
With this victory, India secured the series with a 2-1 lead, and the final match at Old Trafford was rendered inconsequential in terms of the series outcome, though it was still an exciting draw.
The Last Test Match: The Draw at Old Trafford (5th Test)
The 5th Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, was scheduled to be the decider, but due to rain and weather disruptions, the match ended in a draw. Despite not winning the match, India had already sealed their historic series win with the 2-1 lead.
Key Performances in the Final Test Match:
- Shubman Gill continued his strong form from the previous Test, scoring 50 runs in the first innings.
- Ajinkya Rahane, playing under pressure due to some inconsistent performances earlier in the series, played a solid knock of 61 runs.
- Joe Root was once again England’s top scorer, contributing 56 runs in the second innings.
India’s series win was confirmed, and they took home the Pataudi Trophy after 14 long years.
Impact of the 2021 Series on India’s Cricketing History
India’s win in England in 2021 was a game-changer. The victory marked the end of an era of inconsistency in England and confirmed India’s status as one of the premier Test teams in the world.
- The 2-1 series victory was a testament to India’s balanced side, with KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, and Mohammed Siraj stepping up at crucial moments.
- Virat Kohli played a key leadership role, even though his individual form was not at its peak.
- The victory also gave India the confidence to perform in overseas conditions, setting the stage for future successes, including their historic win in Australia in the 2020-21 series.
India’s resilience, tactical brilliance, and the team’s depth in both batting and bowling were the driving forces behind their series win. It was a complete team effort, with each player contributing to the series victory.
Series Stats: India vs. England, 2021
| Match | Venue | India’s Runs | England’s Runs | India’s Key Players | England’s Key Players |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | Trent Bridge, Nottingham | 278 (1st innings) | 183 (1st innings) | KL Rahul (84), Pant (25) | Joe Root (64) |
| 2nd Test | Lord’s, London | 364 (1st innings) | 119 (2nd innings) | KL Rahul (129), Mohammed Siraj (4/32) | Joe Root (180) |
| 3rd Test | Headingley, Leeds | 78 (2nd innings) | 432 (1st innings) | Ajinkya Rahane (61) | Joe Root (121) |
| 4th Test | The Oval, London | 466 (1st innings) | 210 (2nd innings) | Rishabh Pant (125), Shardul Thakur (60 & 3/64) | Ollie Pope (81) |
| 5th Test | Old Trafford, Manchester | India: 0 (Draw) | England: 0 (Draw) | Shubman Gill (50), Ajinkya Rahane (61) | Joe Root (56) |
Conclusion
India’s 2021 Test series win against England is etched in the annals of Indian cricket history. It was not only a landmark achievement because of the 14-year wait but also because it showed the growing dominance of Indian cricket on foreign soil. With the right combination of youth and experience, India displayed remarkable consistency and skill, outclassing England in their own backyard.
This win was a testament to India’s evolving cricketing culture and their ability to thrive in the toughest conditions. The 2021 victory will be remembered as one of India’s finest moments in Test cricket history.