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The Test rivalry between India and England is one of cricket’s most enduring and storied battles. Since their first encounter in 1932, the two nations have played countless memorable matches, often laced with intense competition, emotional flare-ups, and heated controversies. Whether on Indian spinning tracks or under English skies, the stakes are always high, and tempers sometimes boil over. Here are five of the most talked-about controversies from India vs England Test cricket.
Top 5 controversies in India vs England tests
5. Jelly beans incident, Ind vs Eng, Trent Bridge, 2007
In one of the most bizarre and disrespectful moments in cricket, jelly beans were found scattered on the pitch as Indian batsman Zaheer Khan was batting during the second Test at Trent Bridge. Zaheer confronted English fielders, suspecting gamesmanship. The incident fired him up and he responded with a fiery spell of bowling, taking 5 wickets and helping India win the match.
4. Controversial run-out, Ind vs Eng, Mumbai, 2008
In the 2008 Test at Mumbai, India’s Virender Sehwag attempted to run out England's Kevin Pietersen, who had left his crease to congratulate Paul Collingwood on his century. Though Sehwag withdrew the appeal and Pietersen stayed, the incident stirred debate on sportsmanship and the thin line between gamesmanship and fair play, but regardless, India won the Test match in an epic run chase.
3. DRS drama, Ind vs Eng, 2011 series
India’s reluctance to use the Decision Review System (DRS) during the 2011 Test series in England led to huge controversy. Several umpiring errors went against India, including key LBW decisions. England, who supported DRS, took advantage, and the absence of the system became a major talking point as India suffered a 4-0 whitewash.
2. Jadeja and Anderson altercation, Ind vs Eng, Trent Bridge, 2014
During the first Test at Trent Bridge in 2014, an off-field altercation between James Anderson and Ravindra Jadeja escalated into a formal complaint by India, alleging physical abuse. Anderson was accused of pushing Jadeja in the pavilion corridor. Although no sanctions followed due to lack of evidence, the controversy added fuel to a tense series.
1. Kohli vs Anderson verbal duel, Ind vs Eng 2018 series
The 2018 series saw an intense verbal exchange between Virat Kohli and James Anderson. After Kohli dismissed questions about Anderson being his nemesis in 2014, he silenced critics with brilliant centuries and stare downs during the matches. Their duels brought drama and spotlighted Kohli’s determination to dominate England in their own backyard.
