Top 5 greatest Test series of all time

Some of Test cricket’s moments narrate the story of an entire series. Across history, some contests have pushed players to their absolute limits, producing battles that are forever remembered. Many a time, the thrill is not always in crushing wins, but in the draws, narrow margins, and impossible comebacks that keep fans on edge. Over the years, many teams have produced moments which has registered them in history books.

5. India (1) vs Pakistan (1), 1999:

The 1999 India vs Pakistan Test series is considered one of the most intense cricketing contests. Played during a tense political period, the two-match series had stunning moments. The opener in Chennai witnessed Sachin Tendulkar battling pain to score a magnificent 136, almost pulling off a remarkable chase. However, Pakistan pulled off a 12-run win, thanks to Wasim Akram and Saqlain Mushtaq. Notably, the visitors received a standing ovation from the Chennai crowd during their victory lap.

The second Test in Delhi was equally historic, as Anil Kumble registered his name in history books by taking all 10 wickets in Pakistan’s second innings, sealing a 212-run win for India and leveling the series 1-1. Mushtaq was awarded the Player of the Series for bagging 20 wickets.

Also Check: Did you know: India vs Pakistan Test series took place during state of war?

4. England (2) vs Australia (1), 2005:

The 2005 Ashes series between England and Australia is one of the most memorable and greatest Test series ever played. For 18 long years, England had failed to reclaim the series, but under Michael Vaughan’s captaincy, they faced a star-studded Australian side. After losing the first Test at Lord’s, England bounced back with a nerve-shredding two-run win at Edgbaston.

The series saw some moments like Ricky Ponting’s heroics at Old Trafford to Andrew Flintoff’s all-round brilliance, and Shane Warne’s masterclass with the ball. The final act came at The Oval, where debutant Kevin Pietersen’s 158 guided England to a 2-1 victory, ending England’s drought. 

3. Australia (1) vs India (2), 2020/21:

India’s 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph in Australia is considered one of Test cricket’s greatest comebacks. After the humiliating 36 all-out in Adelaide and losing captain Virat Kohli due to his paternity leave, plus a series of injuries, the visitors had their backs against the wall. However, stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane’s century inspired an eight-wicket win in Melbourne.

In Sydney, India played through pain with Hanuma Vihari’s torn hamstring and Ravichandran Ashwin’s sore back to secure a heroic draw. The decider at the Gabba, where Australia hadn’t lost in 32 years, saw a depleted Indian XI, including debutants Washington Sundar and T. Natarajan, chase down 328, with Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 89 sealing a historic 2-1 series win.

Also Check: How Rishabh Pant became trending Test player after Virat Kohli?

2. England (2) vs Australia (2), 2023:

The 2023 Ashes ended 2-2, but it was one of the most nerve-wracking series in recent times. England, under Ben Stokes, started with an aggressive intent at Edgbaston, yet Australia’s Pat Cummins snatched a two-wicket win. At Lord’s, Steve Smith’s century set a 371-run target for the hosts. Stokes’ 155 kept England’s hopes alive, but the match was mainly remembered for Alex Carey’s controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow.

Mark Wood’s return at Headingley handed the home team a three-wicket victory, keeping the series alive. However, rain denied England a possible victory at Old Trafford, leaving Australia to retain the iconic series. The Oval saw Stuart Broad’s fairytale farewell as he took the final as England won by 49 runs.

1. India (2) vs Australia (1), 2000/01:

The 2000/01 India vs Australia Test series is one of the most iconic contests. Australia, under Steve Waugh, were coming with a 16-match winning streak and began by thrashing India in Mumbai. The second Test at Eden Gardens seemed headed the same way, with India following on. But VVS Laxman (281) and Rahul Dravid (180) scripted a stunning comeback, adding 376 runs and batting through the fourth day.

Harbhajan Singh, who had already claimed India’s first Test hat-trick earlier in the match, helped India seal a 171-run win with six wickets in the second innings. In the Chennai decider, India chased 155 and won by two wickets, clinching the series 2-1. This comeback not only broke Australia’s winning run but also paved a fierce modern rivalry between the two teams.