From Karun Nair’s triple ton to Shastri’s marathon – here’s how India piled on the pain with 600+ scores against their oldest rivals
The scoreboard doesn't lie. When it surpasses 600, it does more than just glare at the opposition—it signals dominance. Over decades of exciting Test matches, India has saved some of its best batting displays for England. These aren't just large totals; they are statement innings. The kind that wears down bowlers breaks partnerships and shifts the mental momentum of a series.
As the 2025 Pataudi Trophy heats up, let's reflect on five historic occasions when India exceeded 600 against England in Tests—innings where the bat spoke volumes and the numbers told unforgettable stories.
India 759/7d (1st Innings) | Beat England by an innings and 75 runs
This wasn't just a significant victory, but the largest India had ever achieved in Tests. After England's respectable 477 in the first innings, India responded with a commanding 759 for 7 declared. The main architect? A relatively unknown Karun Nair illuminated the Chepauk with a majestic 303 not out.
Credit: ESPN
He had able company in KL Rahul, who fell agonisingly short on 199. India only batted once, effectively batting England out of the match. Ravindra Jadeja then sealed the victory with 7 wickets in the second innings. India didn't just win—they dominated.
India 664 (1st Innings) | Match Drawn
India had gone into the third Test at The Oval with a 1-0 lead in the series. Dinesh Karthik opened with a steady 91. MS Dhoni scored 92, and then Anil Kumble—yes, the spinner—cracked his maiden Test century.
Credit: ESPN
India posted 664 in reply to England's 345. Although the match ended in a draw, this batting display ensured that India celebrated a historic series victory in England, their first in 21 years.
India 631 (1st Innings) | Beat England by an innings and 36 runs
At his peak, Virat Kohli was a batsman you couldn't look away from. England had posted a decent 400 batting first. But Kohli's epic 235, alongside Murali Vijay's 136 and Jayant Yadav's surprise 104, took India to a towering total of 631.
Credit: ESPN
It was one of the rare occasions when the English bowlers looked out of answers. In the second innings, Ashwin turned the screw with 6 for 55. India didn't even need to bat twice.
India 628/8d (1st Innings) | Beat England by an innings and 46 runs
What happens when Dravid, Tendulkar, and Ganguly excel in the same innings? Carnage. India scored 628 for 8 declared after batting first. Dravid anchored with 148, Sachin dazzled with 193, and Ganguly punished England with a rapid 128.
Credit: ESPN
It was a classic case of piling on and watching the pressure crush the opposition. England followed on and capitulated. It was one of India's most complete away Test performances.
India 606/9d (1st Innings) | Match Drawn
Back in the summer of 1990, India batted repeatedly and remained at the crease for a long time. Ravi Shastri batted for over nine hours for a patient 187. Kapil Dev then walked in and swung freely to score a 110 off just 142 balls.
Credit: ESPN
India finished with 606 for 9 declared, but England managed to survive and draw the match. Still, this innings set the tone for a team that was learning how to dominate overseas.
