From Viswanath’s masterstroke in Chennai to Gooch’s assault at Lord’s, these iconic 300+ partnerships defined eras and swung Test matches wide open
As the curtains rise on the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27, India begins their campaign in England—a place where patience meets swing and partnerships are rare jewels.
The five-match series, commencing on 20 June at Headingley, arrives during a period of transition. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin have all stepped away from Test cricket. Shubman Gill takes on the leadership role, with Rishabh Pant as his deputy.
While we await new chapters in this historic rivalry, it’s worth revisiting some of the timeless tales—those monumental 300+ partnerships that not only shaped matches but rewrote records and forged legacies.
Credit: ESPN
England won the toss and batted first, and what followed was a complete battering.
Ian Bell scored a graceful 235 off 364 balls, while Kevin Pietersen added a flamboyant 175 from 232 balls. Together, they built a mammoth 350-run partnership for the third wicket. Suresh Raina eventually broke both stands, but not before England declared at 591 for 6 in their first innings.
India followed on after managing just 300 in reply and were bowled out again for 283, losing the Test by an innings and 8 runs. Bell’s knock earned him the Player of the Match.
Credit: Indian Express
India won the toss and elected to bat first on a flat Chepauk wicket.
Gundappa Viswanath anchored the innings with a sublime 222 runs from 374 balls, while Yashpal Sharma provided steadfast support with a dogged 140 from 298 balls. Their remarkable 316-run partnership for the third wicket helped India declare at 481 for 4 in their first innings.
England replied with 328 runs, and India batted once more, declaring at 160 for 3. The match ultimately ended in a draw, but Viswanath was awarded the Player of the Match title.
Credit: ESPN
After opting to bat first, India found a resilient pair in Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid for the second wicket.
Gambhir scored a valiant 179 off 348 balls, while Dravid contributed with 136 off 328 balls. Together, they formed a 314-run partnership that propelled India to 453 in their first innings.
England replied with 302, and India declared their second innings at 251 for 7, setting a target of 403. England finished at 64 for 1, resulting in a drawn match. Gambhir’s remarkable performances earned him the Player of the Match award.
Credit: Ebay UK
England batted first at Lord’s and instantly put India on the back foot.
Graham Gooch scored a legendary 333 runs off 485 balls — the highest individual score in England-India Tests — and found solid company in Allan Lamb, who contributed 139 runs from 187 balls. Their partnership of 308 runs for the third wicket lifted England to 653 for 4 declared in the first innings.
India responded bravely with 454 runs, but England added 272 for 4 declared in their second innings, setting a challenging target of 472 runs. India collapsed for 224, and England won by 247 runs. Gooch was the undisputed Player of the Match.
