IND vs ENG: Where Has India Tasted More Test Success – England or Australia?
In the grand theater of Test cricket, few rivalries captivate the imagination like India’s storied battles with England and Australia. With bilateral ties to Pakistan long severed, these two nations have become the epicenters of India’s overseas Test cricket journey, shaping their legacy in the longest format. As India gear up for a blockbuster five-Test series in England starting June 20, 2025, in Leeds, under the dynamic leadership of Shubman Gill, it’s the perfect moment to reflect on their contrasting fortunes in these two cricketing powerhouses.
Setting the Stage: India’s Test Legacy Abroad
India have played more away Tests in England (67) than in any other nation, closely followed by Australia (57). These tours have not only tested India’s mettle but also defined generational shifts in their red-ball prowess. While England has often been a fortress of frustration, Australia has witnessed India transform from underdogs to trailblazers. Let’s dissect these journeys through history, stats, and defining moments.
India in England: A Tale of Grit and Long Droughts
India’s Test voyage began on English soil in 1932 at Lord’s, marking their entry into international cricket. However, victory remained elusive for decades. It wasn’t until 1971 at The Oval, under Ajit Wadekar, that India clinched their first win—a historic four-wicket triumph that also secured their maiden series victory in England. That breakthrough ignited hope, but consistency proved elusive.
Further success came in 1986, with Kapil Dev leading a dominant 2-0 series win. A third triumph followed in 2007 under Rahul Dravid, buoyed by iconic performances at venues like Trent Bridge. Yet, the tide turned post-2007. India endured crushing defeats in 2011 (0-4), 2014 (1-3), and 2018 (1-4), exposing vulnerabilities against swing and seam. The 2021-22 series, disrupted by COVID-19, ended in a 2-2 draw despite India leading 2-1 before the final Test was rescheduled under Jasprit Bumrah’s interim captaincy.
Despite boasting legends like Sachin Tendulkar (1575 runs in 17 Tests), Rahul Dravid (1376 runs), and Sunil Gavaskar (1152 runs), India have managed just 9 wins in 67 Tests in England. Bowling highlights include Ishant Sharma’s 48 wickets, Kapil Dev’s 43, and Jasprit Bumrah’s 37. Now, with stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin retired, and veterans like Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane absent, the onus falls on a youthful squad to end an 18-year series win drought.
India in Australia: From Struggles to Historic Highs
India’s first tour Down Under in 1947 ended in a humbling 0-4 defeat, setting the tone for decades of struggle on bouncy pitches. The first flicker of hope emerged in 1977 at Melbourne, where Bishan Singh Bedi’s side notched a 222-run victory—India’s maiden Test win in Australia. Yet, series wins remained a distant dream. A drawn series in 1980-81 under Sunil Gavaskar (1-1) marked progress, but the ultimate breakthrough arrived in the 21st century.
Under Virat Kohli in 2018-19, India scripted history with a 2-1 series win—the first by any Asian team in Australia. The 2020-21 tour elevated this rivalry to mythic status. After a humiliating 36 all-out in Adelaide and losing Kohli to paternity leave, Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership inspired a stunning comeback. Victories at Melbourne and Brisbane—breaching Australia’s Gabba fortress after 32 years—alongside a gritty draw in Sydney, sealed a heroic 2-1 triumph.
However, the 2024-25 series brought a reality check. Despite a colossal 295-run win in Perth, India faltered, losing three of the next four Tests to concede the series 1-3, missing out on the World Test Championship final. Overall, India have 10 wins from 57 Tests in Australia, with Jasprit Bumrah leading the bowling charts (64 wickets) and batting icons like Sachin Tendulkar (1809 runs), Virat Kohli (1542 runs), and VVS Laxman (1236 runs) crafting timeless knocks.
England vs Australia: Where Does India Shine Brighter?
Historically, England has posed a steeper challenge with its unpredictable weather and swinging conditions, reflected in India’s meager win percentage (13.4%) compared to Australia (17.5%). Yet, the past decade has flipped the narrative. Australia, once a graveyard for Indian hopes, has become a stage for iconic triumphs at venues like the MCG and Gabba. Two series wins in four years have catapulted the India-Australia rivalry to a stature rivaling The Ashes in intensity and global appeal.
The Road Ahead: Can England Be Conquered?
As India embark on their 20th Test series in England, the burning question is whether this young brigade can replicate the Brisbane miracle of 2021. The recent successes Down Under prove that a blend of youthful exuberance, steely resolve, and tactical acumen can shatter even the most daunting records. With conditions in England often favoring pace and swing—think James Anderson’s haunting spells or Stuart Broad’s fiery bursts—Gill’s men must adapt swiftly.
England, under Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, have embraced an aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach, making this series a clash of contrasting philosophies. Will India’s new-generation batters like Yashasvi Jaiswal and bowlers like Mohammed Siraj rise to the occasion? Only time will tell if England becomes the next frontier of Indian Test dominance.
One thing is certain: this series is not just a contest of skill but a test of legacy. As fans eagerly await the first ball at Headingley, the echoes of past heroes and the promise of new ones will hang heavy in the air. Can India turn the tide in England, or will Australia remain their land of glory? Let the battle begin!