Top 5 Impactful Partnerships in India vs England Tests, In the long history of India vs England Test cricket, many great partnerships have been made by top-order batsmen. But sometimes, it’s the lower-order players – those who bat at number 7 or lower – who come in when the team is in trouble and turn the match around. These brave and determined players create partnerships that are not only important but unforgettable.
These partnerships show real fight, patience, and smart cricket. They change the match and give hope when all seems lost. Let’s take a look at the Top 5 Impactful Partnerships Below No. 7 in India vs England Tests.
Here Are Top 5 Impactful Partnerships in India vs England Tests
5. Ian Botham & Bob Willis – 1981, Mumbai (England) – 70 Runs for 8th Wicket
In 1981, England was playing India at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. They were in deep trouble at 166/7. That’s when Ian Botham and Bob Willis came together. Botham played his natural aggressive game, scoring 80 runs off 122 balls. Bob Willis stayed strong with him, making 24 runs.
They added 70 runs for the 8th wicket. Although England lost the match by 138 runs, this partnership made the game more exciting and competitive. It gave England a fighting chance and kept India on the field longer than expected.
Why It Matters: This partnership showed how a strong lower-order stand can bring a team back into the game, even if the result doesn’t go their way.
Top 5 Impactful Partnerships in India vs England Tests
Stats Table:
| Parameter | Ian Botham / Bob Willis |
|---|---|
| Match Figures | 80 (Botham), 24 (Willis) |
| Partnership Runs | 70 |
| Balls Faced | 122 (Botham), 58 (Willis) |
| Match Result | India won by 138 runs |
4. Jasprit Bumrah & Mohammed Shami – 2021, Lord’s (India) – 89* Runs for 9th Wicket
This is one of the most famous lower-order partnerships in recent years. During the second innings of the 2021 Lord’s Test, India was 209/8. England was confident of ending the innings quickly. But Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami had other plans.
They fought hard and added 89 unbeaten runs. Shami scored 56* with beautiful boundaries, while Bumrah scored 33*. Their stand completely turned the game. England’s bowlers got tired and frustrated. After this stand, India bowled out England and won the match by 151 runs.
Why It Matters: This partnership wasn’t just about runs – it changed the mood of the game. It gave India energy and belief.
Top 5 Impactful Partnerships in India vs England Tests
Stats Table:
| Parameter | Mohammed Shami / Jasprit Bumrah |
|---|---|
| Match Figures | 56* (Shami), 33* (Bumrah) |
| Partnership Runs | 89* |
| Balls Faced | 70 each |
| Match Result | India won by 151 runs |
3. Sam Curran & Adil Rashid – 2018, Southampton (England) – 55 Runs for 9th Wicket
In the 2018 Test at Southampton, England was struggling in their second innings. They were 86/6, and it looked like India would easily win. Then Sam Curran came in and played bravely. He scored 46 runs. Adil Rashid supported him well with 20 runs.
They added 55 runs for the 9th wicket. This helped England reach 271. India had to chase 245 runs on a tough pitch. England’s bowlers then bowled India out and won by 60 runs. This partnership helped England win the match and the series.
Why It Matters: Without this lower-order rescue, India might have won. Curran’s fearless batting saved the game.
Top 5 Impactful Partnerships in India vs England Tests
Stats Table:
| Parameter | Sam Curran / Adil Rashid |
|---|---|
| Match Figures | 46 (Curran), 20 (Rashid) |
| Partnership Runs | 55 |
| Balls Faced | 67 (Curran), 57 (Rashid) |
| Match Result | England won by 60 runs |
2. R Ashwin & Virat Kohli – 2016, Visakhapatnam (India) – 64 Runs for 7th Wicket
In the 2016 Test at Visakhapatnam, India was batting well thanks to Virat Kohli’s incredible 167. But wickets were falling quickly at the other end. When India was 361/6, R Ashwin joined Kohli. Together, they added 64 runs.
Ashwin batted calmly and supported Kohli, scoring 58 runs. This partnership pushed India’s score to 455. That big total gave India a strong lead of over 200 runs. India then bowled out England and won by 246 runs.
Why It Matters: This was a classic mix of top-order and lower-order teamwork. Ashwin gave Kohli the support he needed.
Top 5 Impactful Partnerships in India vs England Tests
Stats Table:
| Parameter | Virat Kohli / R Ashwin |
|---|---|
| Match Figures | 167 (Kohli), 58 (Ashwin) |
| Partnership Runs | 64 |
| Balls Faced | 267 (Kohli), 95 (Ashwin) |
| Match Result | India won by 246 runs |
1. MS Dhoni & Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 2014, Lord’s (India) – 90 Runs for 8th Wicket
This is one of India’s most important lower-order partnerships overseas. In the 2014 Lord’s Test, India was in deep trouble at 145/7. England’s bowlers were dominating. But then, captain MS Dhoni and Bhuvneshwar Kumar started building a fightback.
Dhoni scored 82 runs with his calm batting, and Bhuvneshwar added 36 runs. Together, they added 90 runs for the 8th wicket and took India to 295. That fightback inspired the rest of the team. India went on to bowl out England and win the Test by 95 runs – a historic victory at Lord’s.
Why It Matters: This was a true captain’s effort from Dhoni and a show of all-round skill from Bhuvneshwar.
Top 5 Impactful Partnerships in India vs England Tests
Stats Table:
| Parameter | MS Dhoni / Bhuvneshwar Kumar |
|---|---|
| Match Figures | 82 (Dhoni), 36 (Kumar) |
| Partnership Runs | 90 |
| Balls Faced | 140 (Dhoni), 71 (Kumar) |
| Match Result | India won by 95 runs |
Conclusion
Lower-order partnerships are the hidden gems of Test cricket. When top-order players fail, it’s up to these unsung heroes to save the match. In India vs England Tests, these partnerships have shown courage, smart thinking, and team spirit. Whether it was Dhoni’s cool head, Ashwin’s patience, or Shami’s surprise batting, these moments have become unforgettable.
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