The India vs England Test rivalry is one of the oldest and most iconic in cricket history. Over the years, it has seen legendary performances, close finishes, and unforgettable contests. But apart from all the heroics with bat and ball, there have also been moments of complete breakdown — when one team’s batting line-up collapses like a house of cards. These are called batting collapses, and they are often sudden, dramatic, and game-changing.
In such moments, pressure builds, bowlers take control, and even the best batters make mistakes. A few quick wickets turn into a disaster, and before anyone realizes, the team is all out for a shockingly low score. These collapses not only turn matches upside down but also leave fans and players stunned.
Let’s now look at the Top 5 Batting Collapses in India vs England Tests, where one team completely lost the plot, and the opposition took full advantage to dominate the match. These moments remind us that in Test cricket, things can change fast — and no lead is ever safe.
Here Are Top 5 Batting Collapses in India vs England Tests
5. India 94 All Out – The Oval, 2011
Top 5 Batting Collapses in India vs England Tests
In the 4th Test of the 2011 series at The Oval, India was already down 0–3. England scored a big total of 591/6 declared. But India’s batting completely collapsed and they were all out for just 94 runs. England’s fast bowlers — Stuart Broad, James Anderson, and Tim Bresnan — bowled with great discipline. Big names like Dravid, Gambhir, and Tendulkar got out cheaply. Only Rahul Dravid showed resistance in the second innings with 146*, but it was too late.
Stats Table
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Innings | 1st |
| Score | 94 |
| Overs Faced | 36.5 |
| Top Scorer | Tendulkar (23) |
| Wicket Takers | Broad (3), Anderson (2) |
4. India 42 All Out – Lord’s, 1974
Top 5 Batting Collapses in India vs England Tests
In one of the worst collapses in Indian Test history, India was bowled out for just 42 runs at Lord’s in 1974 — their lowest score ever in a Test match. England bowlers Chris Old and Geoff Arnold used the cloudy conditions perfectly. The ball was swinging a lot. Five Indian batters got out for ducks. Only Eknath Solkar managed to score 18 runs.
Stats Table
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Innings | 2nd |
| Score | 42 |
| Top Scorer | Solkar (18) |
| Ducks | 5 |
| Wicket Takers | Old (5), Arnold (4) |
3. England 101 All Out – Chennai, 2021
Top 5 Batting Collapses in India vs England Tests
In the second Test of the 2021 series held in Chennai, England faced one of their worst batting collapses. After scoring only 134 in the first innings, they struggled even more in the second, getting bowled out for just 164. But the most dramatic part of this collapse came when they lost 6 wickets for just 31 runs. The pitch was offering sharp turn, and Indian spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and debutant Axar Patel took full advantage. Their tight lines and clever variations kept England’s batters guessing. No strong partnerships were built, and wickets kept falling rapidly. It was a clear example of how pressure and spin can cause a major batting collapse in Test cricket.
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Innings | 2nd |
| Score | 164 |
| Overs Faced | 54.2 |
| Top Scorer | Moeen Ali (43) |
| Wicket Takers | Axar (5), Ashwin (3) |
2. England 102 All Out – Mumbai, 1981
Top 5 Batting Collapses in India vs England Tests
In 1981 at Mumbai, England needed only 219 runs to win. They were at 95/4 and looked steady — but suddenly collapsed to 102 all out, losing 6 wickets for just 7 runs! India’s spin duo Dilip Doshi and Shivlal Yadav completely dominated. The pitch had become tricky, offering sharp turn and bounce. England’s batters were confused, playing wrong shots and missing simple deliveries. Doshi took 5 wickets while Yadav grabbed 4, wiping out the lower order in no time. This dramatic collapse gave India a famous win and reminded the cricketing world that in Test matches, momentum can change in just a few overs — making it one of the most unforgettable collapses in India vs England Tests.
Stats Table
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Innings | 2nd |
| Score | 102 |
| Overs Faced | 52.5 |
| Collapse Detail | 6 wickets for 7 runs |
| Wicket Takers | Doshi (5), Yadav (4) |
1. India 78 All Out – Leeds, 2021
Top 5 Batting Collapses in India vs England Tests
After a big win at Lord’s, India came to Leeds confident. But in the first innings of the third Test, they collapsed and were all out for 78 runs — their third-lowest total vs England. James Anderson bowled a dream spell, dismissing Rahul, Pujara, and Kohli. Later, Craig Overton and Ollie Robinson took over and finished the job. There was no big score from any batter.
Stats Table
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Innings | 1st |
| Score | 78 |
| Top Scorer | Rohit Sharma (19) |
| Overs Faced | 40.4 |
| Wicket Takers | Anderson (3), Overton (3), Robinson (2) |
Conclusion (100 words)
Batting collapses can change the whole game in just a few overs. In India vs England Tests, these collapses have shocked fans, changed match results, and created history. Whether it was India collapsing at Lord’s or England getting spun out in Chennai, these moments show how pressure and great bowling can destroy a strong batting line-up. They are a part of the drama that makes Test cricket exciting and unpredictable. Every fan remembers these collapses — not just for the low scores, but for how quickly the game turned. These collapses are reminders: never take the game for granted.
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