Left Arm Around

Following England’s unbelievable heist in Hyderabad to claim victory over India, here I rank some of their most iconic wins abroad since the turn of the century.

6. Pakistan, Karachi, December 11, 2000– England won by six wickets

Under pressure having conceded 405 in the first innings, with Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam Ul-Haq scoring centuries, England batted valiantly to post 388 in reply as Michael Atherton hit a methodical ton. The tourists then bowled superbly to dismiss the hosts for 158, leaving them 176 to win. Graham Thorpe’s calm 64 not out was crucial to England clawing themselves over the line under extreme darkness.

Pakistan’s complaints about the conditions went in vain as England secured their first series victory in the country for 39 years. It was also Pakistan’s first defeat in 35 Tests in Karachi.

5. South Africa, Johannesburg, January 17, 2005- England won by 77 runs

After winning the toss and electing to bat, opener Andrew Strauss continued his fine start to Test cricket with a stunning 147 as England posted 411/8d. Herschelle Gibbs scored 161 in South Africa’s total of 419 to take a minor lead, but Strauss’ opening partner Marcus Trescothick hit a magnificent 180 in his second ton of the tour to put the visitors in pole position. South Africa battled hard in their chase of 325, however Matthew Hoggard’s brilliant 7/61 in a match haul of 12/205 ensured the hosts finished 77 shy on 247 all out. England then drew the 5th test to claim their first series victory in South Africa since 1964/65.

4. South Africa, Johannesburg, January 16, 2016– England won by 7 wickets

With the series nicely poised at 1-0 England with two Tests still to play, the match appeared to be extremely even as South Africa posted 313 and England took a slender lead with 323 as Joe Root struck a brilliant 110. That is, however, before Stuart Broad decider to bowl yet another magical spell which characterised his whole career. Taking 6/17, the Nottinghamshire man removed all top six batters to dismantle the South African lineup and dismiss them for just 83. Spare a thought for James Taylor who took an incredible reflex catch at short-leg and barely ever gets a mention.

England then reached their target of 74 in just 22.4 overs to seal a series win. South Africa lost their number 1 Test ranking following the defeat.

3. India, Mumbai, November 26, 2012– England won by 10 wickets

After a humbling drubbing in Ahmedabad, the tourists responded in devastating fashion to level the series.

Replying to India’s modest 327, Alastair Cook hit another ton and Kevin Pietersen smashed 186 as England posted 413 all out to take firm control. The hosts then had no answers for the brilliant bowling of spin twins Monty Panesar (6/81) and Graeme Swann (4/43) as they wilted to 142 all out.

England reached their target of 57 without losing a wicket as Compton and Cook eased them to victory. With another win in Kolkata and a draw in the 4th Test in Nagpur, England claimed their first series win in India since 1984/5.

2. Australia, Melbourne, December 29, 2010– England won by an innings and 157 runs

In by far the most comprehensive victory on this list, England battered their old enemy into the submission to retain the Ashes.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl, the tourists were outstanding from ball one as Jimmy Anderson and Chris Tremlett took 4 wickets apiece to dismiss Australia for 98 in 42.5 overs.

Sensing an opportunity, England were ruthless and put the game beyond doubt when they hit a huge 513 in response. Jonathan Trott starred with a magnificent 168 not out in his second century of his series, meanwhile Strauss, Cook, Pietersen and Prior chipped in with useful fifties.

The hosts displayed more resistance as they fought to claim back some pride in the second innings, but Tim Bresnan took the final wicket of Ben Hilfenhaus and was mobbed by his teammates. England would later win the 5th Test in Sydney to win their first Ashes series in Australia since 1986/7.

1. India, Hyderabad, January 28, 2024– England won by 28 runs

And the best of the lot on a very illustrious list, Hyderabad.

Heading in the series, many a ‘Bazball’ critic questioned whether England’s aggressive approach could work in a country where the hosts lose so few Tests. But with victory here, plenty of those people will be eating their words.

Facing an enormous deficit of 190 after the first innings, almost nobody gave England a prayer as they slipped to 163-5 in the second dig and still trailed by 27 runs. What makes this team so special, however, is that they believe they can win from any position. Combining with first Ben Foakes, then Rehan Ahmed and finally Tom Hartley (we’ll come to him), Ollie Pope marked his return to the side with an awesome 196 in a knock for the ages.

Set 231 for victory on a deteriorating surface, debutant spinner Tom Hartley recovered from a first-innings hammering to take unbelievable figures of 7/62 as India fell 28 runs short. This was the first time in history India have lost a Test at home after having a lead of 100+ runs on first innings.

With their position in the game and the inexperienced nature of their attack, this is undoubtedly England’s greatest overseas win since 2000. There’s even an argument that it’s the greatest of all-time!