Few rivalries in Test cricket could match the legacy of India vs England. Over the decades, some of the game's greatest batters have produced iconic performances in this contest. At the forefront of these encounters stands Joe Root, the elegant English right-hander, who has made a special place for himself in this storied rivalry.
As India and England prepare for a five-match Test series starting June 20, 2025, Root enters the contest as the top century-maker in India-England Tests. With 10 hundreds in 30 Tests, Root has outperformed several legends to sit comfortably at the top of this elite list.
Root’s consistency against India has been a defining feature of his career. From his debut in 2012 to his most recent appearances, he has scored 2,846 runs at an average of 58.08 in 55 innings against India. His highest score, 218, came in the Chennai Test in 2021. He will be England’s key player in the 2025 IND v ENG series.
The Indian greats
Among Indian batters, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar stand tied with seven hundreds each. Dravid has scored 1,950 runs in 21 matches at a phenomenal average of 60.93. His 217 at The Oval in 2002 remains one of India’s finest overseas innings.
Tendulkar, on the other hand, brought flair and dominance to the crease. His 2,535 runs in 32 Tests came at an average of 51.73, including his memorable knock of 193 at Headingley in 2002. With 13 fifties to go along with his seven hundreds, Tendulkar’s impact on this IND vs ENG rivalry is massive.
Alastair Cook also scored seven hundreds against India. The left-hander was a thorn in India’s side, particularly during the 2012 series in India, where he smashed three centuries. His 294 at Edgbaston in 2011 was a marathon innings.
Azharuddin and Pietersen: Six hundreds each
Two very different styles but equally effective: Mohammad Azharuddin and Kevin Pietersen both scored six centuries in India-England Tests. Azhar’s elegant strokeplay fetched him 1,278 runs at an average of 58.09. Pietersen, the flamboyant Englishman, brought aggression and swagger. In just 16 Tests against India, he scored 1,581 runs at an average of 58.55, including a memorable unbeaten 202 in a 2011 Test match at Lord's.
Two of England’s greatest cricketers, Ian Botham and Graham Gooch, also left their mark with five hundreds each. Botham’s 1,201 runs came at a staggering strike rate of 72.26, with a top score of 208. He was a game-changer with both bat and ball.
Gooch, meanwhile, compiled 1,725 runs with a highest of 333 - still the highest individual score in this bilateral rivalry.
Among Indian batters, Dilip Vengsarkar and Cheteshwar Pujara also feature with five centuries each. Vengsarkar, with his stylish drives, scored 1,589 runs at an average of 42.94, while Pujara has scored 1,778 runs in 27 matches. His 206 not out against England is one of the most resilient innings in recent times.
In the 2025 India vs England Test series, all eyes will be on Joe Root to extend his record tally. The Tests begin at Headingley on June 20, followed by matches at Edgbaston (July 2), Lord’s (July 10), Old Trafford (July 23) and The Oval (July 31). If history is any indicator, more batting epics await in this competitive rivalry.
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