The IND vs ENG Test series, starting June 20, 2025, at Leeds, is set to be an exciting series for Indian cricket fans. A young Indian team, led by new captain Shubman Gill, will aim to win their first Test series in England in 18 years during this India vs England clash. With superstars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from Test cricket, India’s new generation is ready to shine in the India vs England Test series.
As the team India prepares, they draw inspiration from three legendary captains Ajit Wadekar (1971), Kapil Dev (1986), and Rahul Dravid (2007) who led India to series wins in England. To understand India’s hopes for the India vs England 2025 series, let’s look back at their historic 1-0 victory in England in 1971, a milestone that still inspires.
The 1971 IND vs ENG Series: A Historic Series Win
The 1971 IND vs ENG series was a turning point for Indian cricket. Under Ajit Wadekar’s leadership, India won their first-ever Test series in England.
First Test of 1971 at Lord’s
The IND vs ENG series began at Lord’s with England choosing to bat first. England scored 304, thanks to half-centuries from Alan Knott (67) and John Snow (73). India’s spinners were the stars, with Bishan Bedi taking 4/70, Bhagwath Chandrasekhar grabbing 3/110, and S Venkataraghavan claiming 2/44. In reply, India secured a small nine-run lead, scoring 313. Half-centuries from Ajit Wadekar (85), Gundappa Vishwanath (68), and Eknath Solkar (67) powered India, despite losing openers Ashok Mankad and Sunil Gavaskar early.
In England’s second innings, Venkataraghavan’s 4/52 restricted them to 191, setting India a target of 183. India’s chase started poorly at 21/2, but a 66-run stand between Gavaskar (53) and Farokh Engineer (35) kept hopes alive. However, Norman Gurmurthy’s 4/48 spell fought back for England, and the match ended in a draw with India at 145/8.
Second Test of 1971 at Lord’s
In the second Test, England again batted first, scoring 386. Captain Ray Illingworth (107), Peter Lever (88*), and Brian Luckhurst (78) led the way. India’s bowlers, Syed Abid Ali (4/64) and Venkataraghavan (3/89), tried hard. India’s batting struggled in response, with only Gavaskar (57) and Solkar (50) scoring fifties. Peter Lever’s 5/70 bowled India out for 91, leaving them 174 runs behind.
England declared at 245/3 in their second innings, with Luckhurst (101) and John Edrich (59) scoring big, setting India a tough 420-run target. This match also ended in a draw, with India at 65/3. Despite no result, India showed fight in this Test match.
Third Test of 1971 at The Oval
The final Test at The Oval was where India made history in the India vs England series. England, batting first after winning the toss, scored 355, with half-centuries from John Jameson (82), Alan Knott (90), and Richard Hutton (81). Eknath Solkar shone with 3/28, while Bedi, Chandrasekhar, and Venkataraghavan took two wickets each. India replied with 284, led by fifties from Dilip Sardesai (54) and Farokh Engineer (59), and a solid 48 from Wadekar. England’s Ray Illingworth took 5/70.
In England’s second innings, Chandrasekhar’s magical 6/38 spell bundled them out for 101, setting India a chase of 173. Despite some hiccups, Wadekar (45) and Sardesai (40) guided India to a four-wicket win. This victory marked India’s first Test win in England and their first series win in the IND vs ENG series, sealing a 1-0 triumph.
Star Performers in the 1971 IND vs ENG Series
India’s 1971 Test series win in England was a team effort. Ajit Wadekar led from the front, scoring 204 runs in three Tests, including a fifty. Farokh Engineer (172 runs with a fifty) and Eknath Solkar (168 runs with two fifties) were star batters. Solkar also took six wickets, showing his all-round skills in the series.
The spin trio of Venkataraghavan, Chandrasekhar, and Bedi dominated the bowling. Venkataraghavan took 13 wickets at an average of 26.92, with best figures of 4/52. Chandrasekhar also claimed 13 wickets at 29.15, including his stunning 6/38. Bedi grabbed 11 wickets at 29.54, with best figures of 4/29. Their spin magic was the backbone of India’s success in the IND vs ENG 1971 Test series.
Inspiration for the IND vs ENG Test Series 2025
The 1971 Test series victory offers valuable lessons for Shubman Gill’s team in 2025. Like Wadekar’s side, the current Indian team is a mix of youth and experience. With Rohit and Kohli retired, Gill’s leadership will be tested in the India vs England series. The 1971 team showed that teamwork, resilience, and spin bowling can win in England’s tough conditions.
Challenges and Hopes for the IND vs ENG Test Series 2025
The 2025 Test series between India and England will be played across five iconic venues: Headingley (Leeds), Edgbaston (Birmingham), Lord’s, The Oval (London), and Old Trafford (Manchester). England’s swinging conditions and lively pitches will challenge India’s young batters and bowlers in the series. However, India’s current squad has shown promise in practice matches, and Gill’s captaincy brings fresh energy.
India’s last series win in England was in 2007 under Dravid, and the 2025 IND vs ENG series is a chance to end an 18-year drought. With players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Siraj in the squad, India has the talent to dominate in the Tests. The team’s spinners, like Ravindra Jadeja or Kuldeep Yadav, could play a role similar to Bedi, Chandrasekhar, and Venkataraghavan in 1971.
A series win in England would be a historic achievement for Gill and his team. England will have the home advantage in this Test series but India has the potential to overcome this obstacle. Will Gill lead like Wadekar? Can India’s spinners dominate like in 1971? Find out with SportzCraazy.
FAQs About IND vs ENG Test Series 2025 and 1971
- When does the IND vs ENG Test series 2025 start?
The IND vs ENG Test series begins on June 20, 2025, at Headingley, Leeds.
- Who led India to their first series win in England in the IND vs ENG 1971 series?
Ajit Wadekar captained India to their first-ever series win in England during the IND vs ENG 1971 series.
- Which Indian bowlers starred in the 1971 IND vs ENG series?
The spin trio of S Venkataraghavan, Bhagwath Chandrasekhar, and Bishan Bedi took 37 wickets combined, leading India to victory in the IND vs ENG 1971 series.
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