Most consecutive Test matches without defeat

#2 England - 26 Tests

This England side were a difficult one to beat, but didn't always win

Despite being the pioneers of cricket, England haven't always been given their due when it comes to cricket. Perhaps they have never quite caught the eye and that is a surprise, especially considering the fact they are only one of two teams to have more than 25 consecutive Tests without defeat.

With an unbeaten run that stretched to 26 Tests from June 1968 to August 1971. Perhaps the reason why aren't held in high regard as compared to the legendary West Indies or Australian teams has to do with their approach to the game, as evident in this unbeaten run.

Although they were unbeaten in 26 Tests, of those matches they won only nine and just three of them came away from home. They won just five of the eight series during this run and although their wins were largely convincing, they never won more than two games in a row whereas they drew three games in a row thrice during their 26-game unbeaten run.

With an emphasis on not losing first and only then going for the win, this England side which had the likes of Geoffrey Boycott, Colin Cowdrey Derek Underwood, they didn't lose games but lost quite a few hearts.

Still, being unbeaten for three years is an achievement that shouldn't be taken lightly. And their run came to an end at the hands of India, who beat them by four wickets at The Oval and won the three-match series 1-0.