Top 5 Partnerships in India vs England Tests, In Test cricket, we usually applaud top-order brilliance — the centuries, the cover drives, and the opening stands. But often, it’s the lower-order partnerships that shape the match’s destiny. When wickets fall in clusters and the team looks shaky, a calm, gritty stand below can revive hope, shift momentum, and in some cases — win Tests.
The India vs England rivalry has seen several such moments. These weren’t just run-building efforts but Top 5 Partnerships in India vs England Tests that altered the match narrative. Let’s dive into five such legendary efforts.
Here Are Top 5 Partnerships in India vs England Tests
5: Ian Botham & Bob Willis – 1981, Mumbai – 70 Runs for 8th Wicket
When England collapsed to 166/7, defeat loomed large. But Ian Botham, known for his bold counter-attacks, stepped up with Bob Willis. Their 70-run stand saved England from total embarrassment. Botham smashed 80 off 122, combining elegance with raw aggression. Willis played second fiddle, defending tirelessly. Though India eventually won the match, this Top 5 Impactful Partnership in India vs England Tests delayed India’s victory and brought intensity back into the game.
Statistics Table:
| Parameter | Ian Botham / Bob Willis |
|---|---|
| Player Positions | No. 7 / No. 9 |
| Runs Scored | 80 / 24 |
| Balls Faced | 122 / 58 |
| Fours / Sixes | 10, 1 / 2, 0 |
| Partnership Runs | 70 |
| Match Result | India won by 138 runs |
4: Jasprit Bumrah & Mohammed Shami – 2021, Lord’s – 89 Runs for 9th
Wicket
Top 5 Partnerships in India vs England Tests, In what is now called a turning point of the 2021 series, India was on the edge at 209/8. Bumrah and Shami built an unbeaten 89-run partnership. Shami hit an inspiring 56*, while Bumrah scored 33*. England, frustrated and rattled, crumbled mentally and physically. This Top 5 Impactful Partnership in India vs England Tests didn’t just pile runs — it broke England’s spirit and led to a thrilling 151-run Indian win.
Statistics Table:
| Parameter | Mohammed Shami / Jasprit Bumrah |
|---|---|
| Player Positions | No. 10 / No. 7 |
| Runs Scored | 56* / 33* |
| Balls Faced | 70 / 70 |
| Fours / Sixes | 6, 1 / 3, 0 |
| Partnership Runs | 89* |
| Match Result | India won by 151 runs |
3: Sam Curran & Adil Rashid – 2018, Southampton – 55 Runs for 9th Wicket
India was on Top 5 Impactful Partnerships in India vs England Tests. At 86/6, England was struggling. But Curran’s 46 and Rashid’s 20 led to a 55-run partnership. Though modest in numbers, this Top 5 Partnership in India vs England Tests turned the match. India was set a tough 245-run target, eventually falling short. Curran’s fearless approach and Rashid’s patience gave England a series-clinching win and Top 5 Impactful Partnerships in India vs England Tests.
Statistics Table:
| Parameter | Sam Curran / Adil Rashid |
|---|---|
| Player Positions | No. 8 / No. 10 |
| Runs Scored | 46 / 20 |
| Balls Faced | 67 / 57 |
| Fours / Sixes | 6, 1 / 2, 0 |
| Partnership Runs | 55 |
| Match Result | England won by 60 runs |
2: R Ashwin & Virat Kohli – 2016, Visakhapatnam – 64 Runs for 7th Wicket
In a Test dominated by spin, Kohli was already anchoring the innings with class. When India was 361/6, Ashwin joined Kohli and stitched a vital 64-run stand. Ashwin’s 58 came with composure, while Kohli attacked. This Top 5 Partnership in India vs England Tests pushed India’s lead beyond 200 and applied pressure that England never recovered from, leading to a massive win and Impactful Partnership in India vs England.
Statistics Table:
| Parameter | Virat Kohli / R Ashwin |
|---|---|
| Player Positions | No. 4 / No. 7 |
| Runs Scored | 167 / 58 |
| Balls Faced | 267 / 95 |
| Fours | 18 / 7 |
| Partnership Runs | 64 |
| Match Result | India won by 246 runs |
1: MS Dhoni & Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 2014, Lord’s – 90 Runs for 8th Wicket
On a swinging Lord’s pitch, India was sinking at 145/7. Enter Ms Dhoni and Bhuvneshwar. Calm, calculated, and clutch — they added 90 runs and changed the tide. Dhoni’s 82 showed resilience, while Bhuvneshwar’s 36 displayed patience. This Top 5 Partnership Below No. 7 in India vs England Tests helped India post 295 and eventually secure a historic win. It showed the importance of temperament and teamwork under pressure.
Statistics Table:
| Parameter | MS Dhoni / Bhuvneshwar Kumar |
|---|---|
| Player Positions | No. 6 / No. 9 |
| Runs Scored | 82 / 36 |
| Balls Faced | 140 / 71 |
| Fours | 9 / 3 |
| Partnership Runs | 90 |
| Match Result | India won by 95 runs |
Conclusion
These partnerships prove that Test cricket is not just about centuries at the top but grit at the bottom. When teams needed hope, these players delivered steel and courage. The Top 5 Partnerships Below No. 7 in India vs England Tests were game-defining, emotion-driven, and full of tactical brilliance. In many ways, they remind us why we love cricket — for its unpredictability, its drama, and its heroes who rise when all seems lost.
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