Brilliant Duckett Powers England in a Famous Chase at Headingley
Headingley, UK – England pulled off a sensational, record-breaking chase at Headingley, securing a thrilling five-wicket victory over India in the first Test, largely thanks to a magnificent 149 from opener Ben Duckett. This monumental effort saw England successfully hunt down a target of 371 runs, marking their second-highest successful run chase in Test history.
The final day began with England needing a further 350 runs with all ten wickets in hand, a daunting task against a potent Indian attack. However, Ben Duckett, in partnership with Zak Crawley, set the tone for an extraordinary day of Test cricket. Their 188-run opening stand laid an unshakeable foundation, blunting India’s bowlers and steadily chipping away at the imposing target.
Duckett’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive yet controlled batting. He brought up his sixth Test century off just 121 balls, showcasing his fearless approach, particularly against spin. His audacious reverse sweeps against Ravindra Jadeja were a highlight, keeping the scoreboard moving and preventing India from settling into any rhythm. Despite a moment of nerves in the nineties, when he was dropped on 97, Duckett made the most of the reprieve to reach his ton. His 149 off 170 balls was not only his personal best in a chase but also the highest individual score against India in the fourth innings of a Test.
While Duckett grabbed the headlines, the supporting acts were equally crucial. Zak Crawley’s composed 65 provided the ideal foil, with the opening pair moving past 2,000 runs as a partnership. Even after their dismissals, and a brief flurry of wickets that saw Ollie Pope (8) and Harry Brook (0) depart, the experienced Joe Root (53 not out) and the calm Jamie Smith (44 not out) steered England home with unwavering composure. Their unbroken 71-run partnership sealed the victory, with Smith hitting the winning runs with a flourish.
This victory is a testament to England’s evolving “Bazball” philosophy under captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum. While the initial hours of the final day saw a more measured approach, the intent to score and put pressure back on the bowlers remained evident. Captain Ben Stokes hailed the opening partnership as crucial, emphasizing how Duckett and Crawley’s contrasting styles made it incredibly difficult for the Indian bowlers to find their rhythm.
For India, despite scoring five centuries across their two innings – a first for a team to lose a Test after achieving this feat – missed opportunities in the field, including several dropped catches, proved costly. Jasprit Bumrah, despite a five-wicket haul in the first innings, went wicketless on the final day, a rare occurrence.
This famous chase at Headingley will undoubtedly be etched in cricketing memory, a remarkable display of attacking Test cricket and a stark reminder of England’s growing prowess in defying the odds. With a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, England will carry immense confidence into the next Test.
