India Tour of England 2021: Schedule, Results & Analysis
India Tour Of England 2021
Introduction
Cricket fans eagerly awaited the India Tour Of England 2021.Spanning multiple formats, the tour tested the skills of both teams in challenging conditions. With riveting matches, record-breaking performances, and unforgettable moments, this tour etched its mark in cricketing history. This article provides a detailed account of the series, covering schedules, results, statistics, and highlights.
Series Overview
The India tour of England 2021 comprised five Test matches, forming part of the ICC World Test Championship (2021-2023). Originally scheduled for mid-2021, the series faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic but ultimately commenced in August and extended into September.
Key Details:
- Duration: August 4, 2021 – September 14, 2021
- Matches: 5 Tests
- Host Nation: England
- Series Result: India led the series 2-1 before the final Test was postponed.
Schedule and Venues
The series was played across iconic venues in England. Here’s the detailed schedule:
| Match | Date | Venue | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Test | August 4-8, 2021 | Trent Bridge, Nottingham | Draw |
| 2nd Test | August 12-16, 2021 | Lord’s, London | India won by 151 runs |
| 3rd Test | August 25-29, 2021 | Headingley, Leeds | England won by an innings and 76 runs |
| 4th Test | September 2-6, 2021 | The Oval, London | India won by 157 runs |
| 5th Test | September 10-14, 2021 | Old Trafford, Manchester | Postponed due to COVID-19 |
Key Highlights
First Test: A Close Contest at Trent Bridge
The first Test saw a balanced battle between bat and ball. Rain disrupted proceedings, leading to a draw. KL Rahul and Joe Root emerged as key performers, with Root’s century being a standout.
Second Test: India’s Dominance at Lord’s
India’s historic victory at Lord’s was marked by a remarkable lower-order partnership between Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah. The bowlers then demolished England’s batting lineup to secure a memorable win.
Third Test: England’s Strong Comeback at Headingley
England bounced back strongly in the third Test, thanks to a magnificent bowling display led by James Anderson. India’s batting collapse in the first innings set the tone for an innings defeat.
Fourth Test: India’s Resilience at The Oval
India scripted another famous win at The Oval, with key contributions from Rohit Sharma (century) and Shardul Thakur (all-round performance). This victory put India ahead in the series.
Fifth Test: A Postponement Controversy
COVID concerns within the Indian camp led to the postponement of the fifth Test at Old Trafford. The match was later rescheduled and played in July, with England winning by 7 wickets.
Player Performances and Statistics
Top Scorers
| Player | Team | Runs | Matches | Average |
| Joe Root | England | 564 | 4 | 94.00 |
| KL Rahul | India | 315 | 4 | 39.37 |
| Rohit Sharma | India | 368 | 4 | 52.57 |
Leading Wicket-Takers
| Player | Team | Wickets | Matches | Best Figures |
| Ollie Robinson | England | 21 | 4 | 5/65 |
| Jasprit Bumrah | India | 18 | 4 | 5/64 |
| Mohammed Shami | India | 11 | 4 | 4/95 |
Impact on the ICC World Test Championship
The series played a crucial role in shaping the standings of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-2023. India’s performance bolstered their points tally, keeping them in contention for the final.
Memorable Moments
- Mohammed Siraj’s Fiery Spell: His aggressive bowling at Lord’s set the tone for India’s victory.
- Shardul Thakur’s Batting Blitz: Quickfire fifties in both innings at The Oval proved decisive.
- Joe Root’s Batting Masterclass: Consistent performances cemented his reputation as one of the best Test batters.
Conclusion
The India tour of England 2021 was a gripping contest that showcased the resilience and brilliance of both teams. With thrilling matches and stellar performances, it remains a memorable chapter in cricketing history. The postponed fifth Test’s eventual conclusion added another layer to an already fascinating series.
Disclaimer
This article’s purpose is to provide information. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, you should verify details from official sources for the most reliable information.
