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The India–England Test cricket rivalry is one of the oldest and most storied contests in the sport. Dating back to the early 20th century, these two cricketing powerhouses have engaged in intense battles, producing memorable moments and legendary performances. The rivalry has been characterized by competitive spirit, fluctuating fortunes, and a rich history of iconic players making their mark.
Anticipation for the upcoming five-match Test series
In the upcoming five-match Test series scheduled to commence in January 2024, India and England will renew their historic rivalry. This series holds special significance as it marks another chapter in the enduring competition between these cricketing giants. Both teams boast formidable line-ups, and the series is anticipated to showcase high-quality cricket across diverse playing conditions.
England’s last Test series triumph in India in 2012
England holds a unique distinction as the last team to defeat India in a Test series on Indian soil. This feat was achieved in 2012. However, in the subsequent tours to India in 2016 and 2021, the tables turned as England succumbed to a 4-0 and 3-1 defeat, showcasing India’s dominance in home conditions.
Bowlers as the decisive factor in the series
The bowlers, with their ability to exploit the nuances of the Indian pitches, are expected to play a pivotal role in determining the fate of the series. The spin-friendly tracks in India often provide a challenging environment for visiting teams, and both sides will heavily rely on their bowling units to deliver decisive performances. As the series unfolds, cricket enthusiasts can anticipate enthralling battles between bat and ball, with the outcome hanging in the delicate balance of skill and strategy.
Also READ: Nasser Hussain pinpoints the key player for England in the upcoming India Test series
Top 5 wicket-takers in India vs England Tests:
1. James Anderson (ENG)
- Matches: 35
- Innings: 66
- Balls: 7658
- Overs: 1276.2
- Maidens: 355
- Runs: 3461
- Wickets: 139
- Best Bowling: 5/20
- Average: 24.89
- Economy: 2.71
- Strike Rate: 55.09
- 4 Wickets in an Innings: 7 times
- 5 Wickets in an Innings: 6 times
James Anderson, an English pace maestro, had an intense duels against India, Anderson’s ability to swing the ball both ways, especially in English conditions, made him a constant threat. His deceptive seam movement and relentless accuracy allowed him to dismantle Indian batting line-ups effectively. The swinging deliveries and crucial breakthroughs, often at critical junctures, made Anderson a dangerous proposition for Indian batters.
2. Bhagwath Chandrasekhar (IND)
- Matches: 23
- Innings: 38
- Balls: 6199
- Overs: 1033.1
- Maidens: 249
- Runs: 2591
- Wickets: 95
- Best Bowling: 8/79
- Average: 27.27
- Economy: 2.50
- Strike Rate: 65.25
- 4 Wickets in an Innings: 3 times
- 5 Wickets in an Innings: 8 times
Bhagwat Chandrasekhar, the legendary Indian leg-spinner, was a potent force against England during his prime from 1964 to 1979. Renowned for his exceptional leg-breaks and googlies, Chandrasekhar troubled English batters with his unique variations. His ability to extract significant turn from the Indian pitches posed a constant challenge, and the lethal combinations of spin and flight often left English battes in a quandary, making him a formidable adversary.
3. Anil Kumble (IND)
- Matches: 19
- Innings: 36
- Balls: 6434
- Overs: 1072.2
- Maidens: 258
- Runs: 2815
- Wickets: 92
- Best Bowling: 7/115
- Average: 30.59
- Economy: 2.62
- Strike Rate: 69.93
- 4 Wickets in an Innings: 4 times
- 5 Wickets in an Innings: 4 times
Anil Kumble, one of India’s greatest leg-spinners, was a dominant force against England from 1990 to 2007. Known for his unwavering accuracy and the ability to extract bounce, Kumble often found success against English batters. His relentless line and length, coupled with variations in pace and bounce, made him a persistent threat. Kumble’s resilience and knack for breaking partnerships added to his effectiveness, making him a pivotal figure in India’s bowling arsenal.
4. Ravichandran Ashwin (IND)
- Matches: 19
- Innings: 35
- Balls: 5444
- Overs: 907.2
- Maidens: 159
- Runs: 2516
- Wickets: 88
- Best Bowling: 6/55
- Average: 28.59
- Economy: 2.77
- Strike Rate: 61.86
- 4 Wickets in an Innings: 2 times
- 5 Wickets in an Innings: 6 times
Ravichandran Ashwin, a modern-day spin genius, has been a formidable force against England till now. His mastery over off-spin and clever variations provided a stern test for English batters. Ashwin’s ability to exploit the turning tracks in India and deliver crucial breakthroughs showcased his strategic acumen. The variations in flight, spin, and the deceptive carom ball made Ashwin a constant menace, particularly in home conditions.
5. Bishan Singh Bedi (IND)
- Matches: 22
- Innings: 36
- Balls: 7173
- Overs: 1195.3
- Maidens: 373
- Runs: 2539
- Wickets: 85
- Best Bowling: 6/71
- Average: 29.87
- Economy: 2.12
- Strike Rate: 84.38
- 4 Wickets in an Innings: 5 times
- 5 Wickets in an Innings: 4 times
Bishan Singh Bedi, a left-arm spin wizard, left an indelible mark against England during his career from 1967 to 1979. Bedi’s classical left-arm orthodox spin and flighted deliveries posed significant challenges for English batters. His impeccable control over line and length, combined with the ability to generate prodigious turn, made him a relentless force. Bedi’s skill in exploiting the Indian pitches and extracting bounce made him a constant threat in the historic contests against England.
