How Team India’s Test Series Masterclasses In England Inspired Young Brigades News24 –
Winning a Test series in England has long been considered one of the toughest challenges for visiting teams, especially those from the subcontinent. Over the decades, India has made several tours to the UK in pursuit of cricketing glory.
Out of 19 games played on English soil, India has emerged victorious on just three occasions each a landmark moment in the nation’s cricketing history.
One day to go. England vs India, in whites 🕰️ pic.twitter.com/7ua00mVQmf
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 19, 2025
1971
India’s first-ever Test series win in England came in 1971, under the astute leadership of Ajit Wadekar. Prior to this historic tour, India had never tasted victory in a Test match on English soil having played 19 Tests in England without a single win.
The series started with two hard-fought draws at Lord’s and Old Trafford, Manchester. However, it was the final Test at The Oval that sealed India’s place in the history books. A superb bowling performance, combined with disciplined batting, led to India clinching a famous win, resulting in a 1-0 series victory. This triumph was not just a statistical breakthrough but also a morale-boosting moment that elevated Indian cricket’s stature on the world stage.
1986
Fifteen years later, India once again stunned England on their home turf. The 1986 tour, led by charismatic all-rounder Kapil Dev, was a display of dominance and control. India won the first Test at Lord’s, followed by another convincing victory in the second Test at Headingley, Leeds.
Heading into the final Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, India had already secured the series, which eventually ended in a draw. The final result a 2-0 series win was not just India’s second series triumph in England, but also the first time India won more than one Test in a series on English soil. It reinforced the growing strength and confidence of Indian cricket through the 1980s.
2007
India’s most recent Test series win in England came in 2007, a hard-fought and memorable campaign under the captaincy of Rahul Dravid. After a closely contested draw in the first Test at Lord’s, India turned the tide with a resounding victory in the second Test at Trent Bridge.
The third and final Test at The Oval ended in a draw, handing India a 1-0 series victory. This win was particularly significant as it marked India’s first series win in England in 31 years, rekindling memories of the iconic 1971 success and cementing the legacy of the 2000s era of Indian cricket.
Will Shubman Gill change history?
This time in 2025, Team India will land on this ground for the 8th time and Shubman Gill is the new captain. The first match of the series on 20 June is to be held at this ground. Everyone will be eyeing the outcome of the match. In such a situation, the question is whether the Indian team will be able to turn the Headingley into a win by taking revenge for their old defeat? Or England will maintain its reign.