In the landscape of modern Test cricket, few rivalries command the depth, history and global intrigue of India’s long-standing battles with England and Australia, especially since bilateral ties with Pakistan were severed. India’s overseas Test calendar has been dominated by tours to these two nations – turning them into modern-day epics of red-ball cricket.India have played the most away Tests in England (67), followed by Australia (57), underlining how crucial these tours have been in shaping the country’s Test legacy.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!As India prepare for a five-Test series in England starting June 20 in Leeds, led by a youthful Shubman Gill, the contrast between their fortunes in these two nations offers a compelling look into how far Indian Test cricket has evolved.India in England: A gruelling journey
India’s journey in England began in 1932 at Lord’s – their first Test match ever. It took 22 matches and nearly four decades before India finally tasted victory on English soil – a historic four-wicket win at The Oval in 1971 under Ajit Wadekar. That win not only broke the drought but also sealed India’s maiden series win in England.Their second series win came 15 years later, in 1986, under the leadership of Kapil Dev, with a commanding 2-0 triumph. It wasn’t until 2007 that India claimed their third series win, this time under Rahul Dravid.But since then, it’s been a painful wait. India lost three consecutive series — in 2011 (0-4), 2014 (1-3), and 2018 (1-4). The 2021–22 series, interrupted by a COVID-19 outbreak, was eventually drawn 2-2, though India had led 2-1 before the final Test was postponed and played a year later under Jasprit Bumrah’s captaincy.Despite having greats like Sachin Tendulkar (1575 runs in 17 Tests), Rahul Dravid (1376), and Sunil Gavaskar (1152), India only have nine wins to show from 67 Tests in England. Their best bowling performances have come from Ishant Sharma (48 wickets), Kapil Dev (43), and Jasprit Bumrah (37).Now, with stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin retired, and the absence of experienced hands like Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane and Mohammed Shami, a new generation must try to break an 18-year-old series win drought in England.India in Australia: From underdogs to trailblazersIndia’s first trip to Australia in 1947 ended in a 0-4 series defeat. The struggle for relevance in Australian conditions continued for three decades. A breakthrough finally came in 1977 in Melbourne, where Bishan Singh Bedi’s side won by 222 runs – India’s first Test win Down Under. But they eventually lost the series 2-3.Sunil Gavaskar’s side drew the 1980–81 series 1-1, marking India’s first undefeated series in Australia. But series wins remained elusive until the 21st century.Under Virat Kohli’s captaincy, India made history in 2018–19 by winning 2-1 – their first series win in Australia, and the first by any Asian nation.The 2020–21 tour was arguably India’s finest Test moment. After collapsing for 36 in Adelaide and losing Kohli to paternity leave, India rallied under Ajinkya Rahane. A win in Melbourne, a gritty draw in Sydney, and a record-breaking victory in Brisbane – Australia’s fortress for over three decades – sealed a legendary 2-1 series win.However, the dream run ended in 2024–25. Despite a massive 295-run win in the first Test in Perth, India lost three of the next four matches, eventually conceding the five-match series 1-3. That defeat also denied them a place in the World Test Championship final.India have now won 10 of their 57 Tests in Australia. Jasprit Bumrah leads all Indian bowlers with 64 wickets Down Under, while Sachin Tendulkar (1809 runs), Virat Kohli (1542) and VVS Laxman (1236) have all delivered iconic performances.India in England vs India in Australia
While England have historically been a more difficult challenge, Australia have turned into a land of iconic triumphs in the last decade. Victories at the MCG and Gabba, and two successive series wins, have elevated the India-Australia rivalry to Ashes-like stature, if not beyond in terms of intensity and modern relevance.The road aheadAs India begin their 20th Test series in England, the question remains: can the young guns emulate what Rahane’s men did in Brisbane?India’s recent success in Australia shows that the right mix of youth, resolve and belief can overturn even the most daunting records. Whether England becomes the next frontier of success remains to be seen.
