A magnificent century from Ben Duckett guided England to a historic five-wicket victory over India on a gripping final day at Headingley, as the hosts chased down a daunting target of 371—the second-highest successful run chase in their Test history.
Resuming at 21-0, England’s openers played with uncharacteristic patience before accelerating. Duckett (149) and Zak Crawley (65) put on a crucial 188-run stand—England’s second-highest opening partnership in a fourth innings. Though India struck back with quick wickets, including Duckett and Harry Brook (golden duck) in consecutive deliveries, Joe Root’s composed 53* and Jamie Smith’s match-sealing six ensured a famous win.
Despite five centuries in the match—a first for any losing side in Test cricket—India’s collapses (7/41 in the first innings, 6/31 in the second) and dropped catches proved decisive. Captain Shubman Gill admitted, “We had our chances… but our young team is learning.” England’s refined aggression, coupled with India’s tail-end failures, tilted the balance in a match that saw six ducks—three in each innings.
The victory gives England a 1-0 lead in the five-Test series, boosting confidence ahead of the Ashes later this year. For India, addressing lower-order fragility will be critical as they seek a comeback in the next Test.
Key Stats:
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371: England’s 10th-highest successful Test chase.
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149: Duckett’s score—the second-highest by an England opener in a 4th innings.
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5-0: Centuries to ducks ratio in the match, a Test first.
“It felt calm in the dressing room,” said Duckett. “To have Root out there, it’s pretty easy to be calm.” Calmness, indeed, when it mattered most.