From Root’s run-glut to Azhar’s elegance — the batters who piled up centuries in the storied India-England Test battles
The India vs. England Test rivalry is one of the longest-running in cricket history. It spans generations across both hemispheres and is sprinkled with unforgettable performances. While bowlers have garnered headlines in swinging English conditions or dustbowls in India, this article belongs to the batters—the ones who stood tall, absorbed pressure, and raised their bats to three figures.
As India prepares for their next five-match series in England from June 20 — with a new captain in Shubman Gill and without the services of some modern-day greats — the road ahead appears steep.
However, before the series commences, it’s only fair we turn back the clock and revisit those who transformed the India vs England Tests into their personal highlight reels.
Let’s walk through the top six century-makers in this iconic rivalry.
Joe Root has been the face of England’s batting against India over the last decade. Whether he was ducking under bouncers in Mumbai or dancing down the track at Lord’s, Root consistently churned out runs.
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In 30 Tests, he has scored 10 centuries, more than anyone else in the history of India-England Tests. His highest score of 218 came in Chennai in 2021 — a knock that helped England secure a rare win in India. He averages 58.08 in these contests and has surpassed 2,800 runs already.
From Trent Bridge to The Oval, Rahul Dravid absorbed everything England threw at him. In his 21 matches, he scored 7 centuries, including the legendary 217 at The Oval in 2002 — the cornerstone of India’s famous series draw.
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Dravid concluded his India-England career with 1,950 runs at a remarkable average of 60.93. His ability to anchor the innings made life easier for the stroke-makers around him.
India’s greatest batsman didn’t disappoint in this fixture either. Tendulkar played an astounding 32 Tests against England and scored 2,535 runs, with 7 centuries to his name.
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His finest performance came at Leeds in 2002 — a brilliant 193 that helped India win by an innings. Sachin’s class shone through every time he faced England, whether at home or away.
Alastair Cook may not have been flashy, but he was relentless. He batted for long periods, wore down the opposition, and often left India gasping for air.
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Across 30 Tests, Cook scored 7 centuries, none bigger than his 294 at Birmingham in 2011. That marathon innings knocked the wind out of India’s sails and led to one of their heaviest defeats.
His total of 2,431 runs makes him one of the most prolific English batters in this contest.
Mohammad Azharuddin was all about wrists and timing. Against England, he found his zone more often than not. He scored six centuries in just 15 Tests, with a top score of 182.
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His average of 58.09 shows how consistently he dominated this particular opponent. With his flair and touch, Azhar often turned tricky situations into statement knocks.
If elegance belonged to Dravid and Tendulkar, Kevin Pietersen brought an edge. He attacked with style and tore into India’s spinners fearlessly.
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In just 16 Tests, KP scored 6 centuries, including a brutal 202 not out at Lord’s in 2011. His strike rate of over 61 in the rivalry says it all — he didn’t merely bat; he imposed.
