A Year-Long Saga: The Unforgettable India-England Test Series of 2021
Cricket has seen many epic battles, but few can match the sheer drama and resilience of the India-England Test series of 2021. As Team India gears up for another five-match Test series against England starting June 20, 2025, the echoes of the 2021 series—a contest stretched over nearly a year due to a global pandemic—still resonate. This was not just a series defined by breathtaking cricket but by the extraordinary circumstances of COVID-19, which forced the final Test to be postponed for 10 months. Let’s revisit this historic chapter that tested the spirit of the game and its players.
The Stage is Set: A New WTC Cycle Begins
The 2021 series kicked off in August, mere weeks after India’s heartbreaking loss to New Zealand in the inaugural ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final at Southampton. Under the captaincy of Virat Kohli, India arrived in England with a point to prove. The series was poised to be a blockbuster, with both teams boasting world-class talent. Little did anyone know that this would become one of the most drawn-out Test series in modern cricket history, spanning from August 2021 to July 2022.
A Rollercoaster of a Series: Match-by-Match Drama
1st Test, Trent Bridge, Nottingham: The series opener was a tantalizing affair, with India in a strong position to chase down 209. Jasprit Bumrah’s menacing bowling (9/110) and KL Rahul’s stylish 84 set the tone, but relentless rain on the final day forced a draw—a frustrating start for both sides.
2nd Test, Lord’s: India roared to life at the Home of Cricket. KL Rahul’s gritty 129 and Mohammed Siraj’s fiery spells (8 wickets in the match) dismantled England, leading to a crushing 151-run victory. This win showcased India’s hunger and resilience, setting the series alight.
3rd Test, Headingley: England struck back with vengeance, skittling India for a measly 78 in the first innings. Joe Root, in imperious form, smashed his third ton of the series, guiding England to a dominant innings and 76-run win. The hosts reminded everyone why they are formidable on home soil.
4th Test, The Oval: Trailing by 99 runs after the first innings, India staged a remarkable comeback. Rohit Sharma’s masterful 127 in the second innings powered India to 466, paving the way for a 157-run triumph. With a 2-1 lead, India stood on the brink of a historic series win in England—something they last achieved in 2007.
The Unprecedented Halt: COVID-19 Strikes
With momentum on their side, India headed to Old Trafford, Manchester, for the fifth and final Test on September 10, 2021. Victory seemed within grasp, but fate had other plans. Just before the match, several members of the Indian contingent, including head coach Ravi Shastri, tested positive for COVID-19. Fearing a wider outbreak, the team refused to take the field. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a statement: “Due to fears of a further increase in the number of COVID cases inside the camp, India are regrettably unable to field a team.”
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) emphasized that the decision prioritized player safety over everything else. Initially delayed, the Test was eventually canceled, leaving fans and experts stunned. Both boards scrambled to find a solution, finally rescheduling the match as a standalone Test during India’s white-ball tour of England in July 2022, ensuring the series context and India’s 2-1 lead remained intact.
Ten Months Later: A Transformed Team India
When the fifth Test finally took place at Edgbaston from July 1-5, 2022, the landscape had shifted dramatically. Virat Kohli had stepped down as Test captain after a disappointing South Africa tour in January 2022. Rohit Sharma, the new leader, was sidelined by COVID-19 ahead of the match, while vice-captain KL Rahul was ruled out due to injury. In a historic moment, Jasprit Bumrah became the first Indian fast bowler to captain the side in a Test since the legendary Kapil Dev in 1987.
Despite the leadership chaos, India posted a commanding 416 in the first innings, fueled by Rishabh Pant’s explosive 146—a knock that turned the game on its head. England replied with 284, and India set a daunting target of 378. However, in one of the most remarkable chases in Test history, England, powered by Joe Root’s unbeaten 142* and Jonny Bairstow’s blistering form, chased down the total with ease. The 378-run chase remains England’s highest successful pursuit in Test cricket, leveling the series at 2-2.
A Series Beyond Cricket: A Testament to Resilience
The 2021 India-England series will forever be etched in history—not just for its enthralling cricket but for the extraordinary context in which it unfolded. From KL Rahul’s steely determination to Joe Root’s consistent brilliance, from Jasprit Bumrah’s fiery spells to Rishabh Pant’s audacious strokeplay, the on-field performances were a spectacle. Yet, it was the off-field saga—the bio-bubbles, the empty stadiums, and the year-long delay—that truly defined this series.
As India returns to English shores for the 2025 series under fresh leadership, the memories of 2021 serve as a poignant reminder of cricket’s fragility and resilience. This wasn’t just a contest of bat and ball; it was a reflection of a world grappling with uncertainty, where the spirit of the game triumphed against all odds. Will the upcoming series carry the same dramatic flair? Only time will tell, but the saga of 2021 remains a chapter for the ages.