The India vs England Test rivalry has seen some classic innings over the decades. While Test cricket is known for its patience and technique, several players have added excitement to the format with their aggressive style, especially by clearing the boundary ropes. Hitting sixes in Test matches is not common, here’s a look at the top batters who have hit the most sixes in an innings in India vs England Tests.
Yashasvi Jaiswal leads the list
The record for the most sixes in an innings in India vs England Tests belongs to India’s young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal. He hit an astonishing 12 sixes during his brilliant 214-run knock in Rajkot on 15 February 2024. It was a display of controlled aggression, with Jaiswal dominating the English bowlers on a flat pitch. He reached his double century with ease, and his clean hitting stood out throughout the innings.
Jaiswal also occupies the second spot on the list, having smashed seven sixes during his 209 in Visakhapatnam earlier that month in the same Test series against England. In both innings, Jaiswal combined traditional Test match temperament with fearless modern-day strokeplay.
Former England allrounder Ian Botham was known for his power hitting and ability to change the course of a match. He features three times in the top ten list. His legendary 208 at The Oval in 1982, he struck four sixes along with 19 fours.
In Leeds in 1979, Botham scored 137 and hit five sixes, punishing the Indian attack with his trademark flair. Two years later, in Delhi (1981), he hit another quickfire knock of 66 off just 48 balls, which included five sixes.
Rishabh Pant’s big-hitting ability
India’s Rishabh Pant, known for his fearless approach, delivered one of his best innings against England in Chennai in 2021. In that knock he scored 91 off 88 balls, where he hit five sixes, often stepping out to the spinners.
In the same series and venue, England’s Moeen Ali produced a blazing knock. He scored 43 runs off just 18 balls, which included five sixes, at a staggering strike rate of 238.88.
Shubman Gill joins the club
Shubman Gill, India's new Test captain, also made it to the list with a fluent 110 against England in Dharamsala in March 2024. His innings included five sixes, where he showed his ability to play long innings while still attacking when needed.
Going further back where batters have hit the most sixes in IND v ENG Tests, England’s Colin Cowdrey is a notable mention with four sixes during his composed 160 at Leeds in 1959. Another old-generation player, Keith Fletcher, struck four sixes in his 97-run innings in Chennai in 1973.
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