India's Five Iconic Test Wins In England

Skipper Ajit Wadekar’s unbeaten 45, Dilip Sardesai’s 40 and Farokh Engineer’s 28 not out guided India to a four wicket win...

- Renin Wilben

The Indian cricket team is all set to take on England in a five-match Test series, starting in Nottingham from August 4. The last time these two sides clashed in England, in 2018, the hosts defeated India 4-1. The Indians did defeat England 3-1 at home but facing England in England will be a completely different proposition. India do not have a great record against England overall as well. The sides have faced each other in 29 Tests out of which India have won 29 and England 48. In English conditions, India have won seven Tests and lost 34. India, in fact, have not won a Test series in England since 2007. During their last three visitors to the country, they were brutally hammered. At the same time, some of India’s most Test memorable wins have also come in England, when they have won against all odds. In this feature, we look back at India’s five iconic Test wins in England.

1. 1971 OVAL TEST

This win was iconic in every sense since it was India’s first Test win in England, and also marked their maiden series triumph in the country. England elected to bat first after winning the toss and posted an impressive 355 on the board as Alan Knott top-scored with 90 while John Jameson and Richard Hutton scored the 80s. India managed only 284 in response as Ray Illingworth claimed 5 for 70.

It was in England’s second innings that the game turned. Bhagwath Chandrasekhar ran through the hosts with figures of 6 for 38. He dismissed Brian Luckhurst (33), John Edrich (0) and Keith Fletcher (0) before running through the tail as England were rolled over for 101. Skipper Ajit Wadekar’s unbeaten 45, Dilip Sardesai’s 40 and Farokh Engineer’s 28 not out guided India to a four-wicket win.