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'Test cricket at its finest': Experts react as England chase down 371 against India at Headingley
Rishabh Pant's twin centuries went in vain as England, propelled by Ben Duckett's brilliant 149, chased down a challenging 371-run target set by India on Day 5 of the first Test at Headingley, Leeds. Here's how Kevin Pietersen, Yuvraj Singh and others reacted to the dramatic result. read more
England's Jamie Smith shakes India captain Shubman Gill's hand after hitting the winning shot to seal a five-wicket victory for his team at Headingley on Tuesday. AP
India failed to defend a 370-plus target for the second consecutive time against England in England, suffering a five-wicket defeat in Leeds on Tuesday to concede a 0-1 lead to Ben Stokes' men.
Ben Duckett led the way with a superb 149 after his knock of 62 in the first innings at the Headingley Cricket Ground. Besides the southpaw, opening partner Zak Crawley (65) and senior batter Joe Root (53 not out) chipped in with half-centuries as England chased down a challenging 371-run target set by Shubman Gill's men with relative ease.
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England thus began the 2025-27 cycle for the ICC World Test Championship on a winning note. Gill, on the other hand, suffered a defeat on debut as Test captain exactly a month after he was named as Rohit Sharma's successor by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee.
Pietersen, Yuvraj and others react to England's dramatic victory
Here's how social media reacted to the result:
Now that is a serious chase by England. Wow! 🙌🏼 — Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) June 24, 2025
Test cricket at its finest - intense, challenging and unforgiving. Five days of a high-quality game and a result that could've gone either way! Our young team showed fight and belief, the kind that wins you games in the long run. Fell short, but far from done! The series is still… — Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) June 24, 2025
Fantastic Test, famous win for England, chasing 371 with aplomb! India.making 471 runs in first innings, 5 centurions in the match yet losing! 6 catches dropped, no wickets for main bowlers Bumrah and Siraj and only one for Jadeja in the last innings. Plenty to worry about — Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) June 24, 2025
People asking how a lot of positives from 1st Test…
Young batters who are India's future stood up - 5 centuries in the Test.
India had 1.5 bowlers and dropped 6+ catches… yet match ended on day five last session last 30 minutes.
Think that is a huge positive. #EngvInd — Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) June 24, 2025
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This shouldn't be about how, where and when India missed Virat Kohli, R Ashwin and Rohit Sharma. Time to move on.
This team dominated England for most of the Test & with the right bowling combination, will continue throwing right punches. #KuldeepMustPlay
Over to Birmingham! — Sahil Malhotra (@Sahil_Malhotra1) June 24, 2025
Five wickets won't tell you the story but in the end India went down without a fight on the deciding day #INDvsENG ia — Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) June 24, 2025
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Reposting:We have witnessed another exciting Test match.Test cricket will always remain the purest and greatest form of the game. No greater test of a cricketers resilience,technique,the ability to cope with pressure,fatigue and game changing conditions. A true test of character. — Vincent Barnes (@VincentBarnes60) June 24, 2025
One thing I have really enjoyed about #ENGvIND at Headingley is the way the spectators are applauding the performances of both sets of players. In an era of increasing jingoism & tribalism it's refreshing to see supporters appreciating good play, no matter who it's by. — Brian Murgatroyd (@murgersb) June 23, 2025
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Extraordinary win by England…..recalibrating fear in Test matches with teams like India no longer safe despite five centurions and a 1st innings score of 471🏏⚡️💥🌪️ — Derek Pringle (@derekpringle) June 24, 2025
🚨 RECORD BREAKING MADNESS
Vice Captain RISHABH PANT has done the UNTHINKABLE -
CENTURY in BOTH INNINGS vs ENGLAND! 💯🔥
This is not batting.
This is absolute DOMINANCE.
This is a NEW ERA.
The name is PANT. Remember it. 💥🇮🇳#RishabhPant #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/54zpLGhU2Q — Adorable (@rehnedotum_) June 23, 2025
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It takes a special bowling unit to lose after scoring 5 centuries in a test match. #INDvsENG — Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) June 24, 2025
India will have a little over a week to try and put the defeat at Headingley behind and work on their shortcomings ahead of the second Test against England, which gets underway on 2 July at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
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First Post
2 hours ago
- First Post
Where India went wrong in 1st Test at Headingley and why they lost
India suffered a heartbreaking loss in the first Test against England at Headingley, despite scoring five centuries. England chased down 371 in the fourth innings to win by five wickets on the final day. We analyse where India went wrong and the key reasons behind their defeat. read more India lost the first Test of the five-match series against England at Headingley, Leeds on Tuesday. The contest turned out to be a dramatic and historic game. England chased down 371 runs in the final innings to win by five wickets. This is the second-highest run chase ever in England and the highest in Headingley. England opener Ben Duckett played a brilliant knock of 149 runs in the final innings to help his team chase down the target. He was well supported by his opening partner Zak Crawley, who scored a crucial 65 runs. Joe Root finished things off with an unbeaten half-century batting alongside Ben Stokes (33) and Jamie Smith (44 not out). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While India had many moments of dominance in the match, several mistakes across all five days ended up costing them the game. Two big batting collapses cost India dearly India were in brilliant positions in both innings but threw it all away with sudden collapses . In the first innings, India were 430/3 with centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant. A total close to 600 looked possible. But instead, India collapsed to 471 all out, losing 7 wickets for just 41 runs. The lower order failed to contribute as always. On the other hand, the England tail made some valuable contributions with the bat as they added 71 runs in their first innings to help their side cancel out India's massive score. They basically put the middle and Indian lower order to shame. The second innings was no different for this Indian side. Rishabh Pant scored another century and KL Rahul got a ton as well. India were 333/5 at one point and seemed on track for a lead of 400-plus. But they lost their last 5 wickets for just 31 runs and were bowled out for 364. This meant India didn't have enough runs on the board to challenge England on the final day. Bowlers failed to deliver when it mattered Indian ace Jasprit Bumrah took five wickets in the first innings and bowled with great control. He didn't receive much support from the other bowlers until at least Day 3. In the second innings, he went wicketless as England's openers played him out carefully, and once again, the other bowlers didn't step up until lunch on the final day. Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur took two wickets each after the rain delay during the second session on Day 5, but the damage was already done. England openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley had put on a 188-run stand, laying a strong foundation for the chase. India's bowling attack lacked energy on the final day and failed to create pressure. During the first session, it didn't even look like they were bowling to take wickets. Bumrah's limited availability for the series has already been confirmed by both the pacer and the team management. If India's bowling is struggling with him in the side, the challenge will be even bigger without him. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Poor fielding and dropped catches India were very poor in the field. They dropped as many as seven catches in the match, including five in England's first innings alone. This is their worst fielding performance since 2019. Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped the most number of catches in this game. At one point, it almost looked like the ball was deliberately going towards Jaiswal because it knew he would drop it. Even Rishabh Pant, Sai Sudharsan, and Ravindra Jadeja, of all people, were guilty of dropping catches. They all dropped one catch each, while four were missed by Jaiswal, of which three came off Bumrah's bowling. Questions over Shubman Gill's captaincy Shubman Gill's leadership in his first Test as captain is also under the scanner. Despite being the leader, field changes were being made by other players like Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul. He looked under pressure on the field, especially when England batters were scoring all around the park. Gill had said before the start of the first Test that his primary focus would be on batting, as it is his main role in the team. He backed that up with a fine century in the first innings. However, he missed a trick with his captaincy at Headingley, and that turned out to be one of the reasons behind India's loss. Having said that, this Gill-led young India side still has a chance to make a comeback in the series. They have an eight-day break before the next Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, starting from 2 July onwards. If they make some adjustments to their lineup and playing style, they have the ability to upset any team on any given day, glimpses of which were clearly visible in Leeds. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
News18
3 hours ago
- News18
Ben Duckett Breaks Record Of Most Runs In 4th Innings Of A Test Against India
Last Updated: Duckett opened for England in the 2nd innings and scored 149 runs from 170 balls. He scored 21 fours and one six for the Ben Stokes-led side at Headingley. Ben Duckett was on fire for England in the ongoing first Test against India. In the match taking place at Headingley in Leeds, the 30-year-old left-handed batter scored 62 runs in the first innings and amassed a total of 149 runs in the second. Duckett faced 170 balls in the second innings and hammered 21 fours and one six. The 149-run knock on Tuesday (June 24) helped Duckett break the record of scoring the most runs in the fourth innings of a Test match against India. The previous best score by any batter against India in the fourth innings of a Test match was 142 not out by Joe Root. Root remained unbeaten on 142 runs for England in the 2022 Test played against India at Edgbaston from July 1 to 5 in 2022. 149 Ben Duckett (England) in Headingley, 2025 142*Joe Root (England) in Edgbaston, 2022 134 Faf du Plessis (South Africa) in Johannesburg, 2013 124 Duleep Mendis (Sri Lanka) in Kandy, 1985 122*Daryll Cullinan (South Africa) in Johannesburg, 1997 Duckett came out to bat as opener for England in the 2nd innings and added 188 runs for the first wicket with Zak Crawley (65 runs from 126 balls). He was the third English batter to get out on Tuesday (June 24). Duckett was sent back to the pavilion by Shardul Thakur on the third ball of the 55th over of England's 2nd innings. He was caught by substitute fielder Nitish Kumar Reddy. Before returning back to the pavilion, Duckett also became the first England opener to score a century in the fourth innings of a World Test Championship (WTC) match. Alastair Cook was the last English opener to score a century in the fourth innings of a Test match. The stylish left-hander achieved the feat against Bangladesh in 2010. A total of 211 runs in the ongoing match also helped Duckett extend his tally of runs to 1039 runs in 19 matches played so far across formats in 2025. He is the first and only batter to score more than 1000 runs in international cricket this year. England need 102 more runs to win In reply to the target of 371 runs, England managed to score 269 runs for the loss of four wickets when rain forced early tea on Tuesday in Leeds. The hosts need to score 102 more runs in the last session of the Leeds Test to secure a famous win over India and go 1-0 up in the five-match series. Get latest Cricket news, live score and match results on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
India Gazette
4 hours ago
- India Gazette
Ben Duckett's heroics seal record chase as England go 1-0 up against India at Headingley
Leeds [UK], June 25 (ANI): Ben Duckett's masterful 149 set the tone for a historic run chase as England chased down the target of 371 to defeat India by five wickets at Headingley. With the win, England take a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series. Resuming on the final day with all ten wickets intact, England displayed clinical composure throughout the chase. They were well-placed at 269/4 by Tea, with captain Ben Stokes and Joe Root putting together a steady 49-run stand. England reached the 300-run mark in the 66.4 overs, but just after that milestone, Stokes perished for 33, attempting a reverse sweep off Ravindra Jadeja that found Shubman Gill. That proved to be India's only breakthrough in the final session. England were 302/5. From there, Joe Root and Jamie Smith took control, guiding England safely to the finish line. The pair added an unbeaten 71-run partnership, showcasing both calmness and flair. Root anchored the innings with an assured 53 off 84 deliveries, striking six boundaries, while Smith added a brisk 44 off 55, sealing the match with a towering six off Jadeja to bring up the winning runs. England reached the target in just 82 overs, finishing at 373/5. India's bowling attack faltered under pressure, with frequent misfields and dropped catches compounding their woes. Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna picked up two wickets apiece but proved costly, conceding 51 and 92 runs respectively. Ravindra Jadeja ended with figures of 1/104. Despite the loss, India's batters had much to show for their efforts in the match. Remarkably, five Indian batters scored centuries in the game: Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), Shubman Gill (147), Rishabh Pant (134 and 118 in both innings), and KL Rahul (137). This marks the most individual centuries by a team in a losing cause in Test history, surpassing Australia's four in their defeat to England in the 1928/29 Melbourne Test. Earlier, India had its moments with Prasidh and Shardul's whirlwind, but England maintained its position in the driver's seat with a flurry of runs to stay at the top. Duckett and Zak Crawley continued to switch through gears, adding to the mounting woes of a beleaguered Indian team. Jasprit Bumrah looked ineffective, Mohammed Siraj struggled to ask the right questions, and Prasidh Krishna remained in the hunt for his lost rhythm. However, India orchestrated a late comeback with Prasidh and Shardul's moments of magic. Crawley bid his time with patience and pushed the ball for a single to bring up his hard-fought fifty. It was the first instance of both opening batters hitting 50-plus scores in the fourth innings of a Headingley Test. The duo went on to raise an unbeaten 156-run partnership, the highest opening partnership in the fourth innings of a home Test for England, surpassing 154 between Geoffrey Boycott and Mike Brearley against Australia in Nottingham in 1977. As the session progressed, a faint opportunity crossed India's path when Siraj forced a top edge from Ben Duckett, which traversed to Yashasvi Jaiswal, stationed at the deep backwards square leg. Jaiswal, already guilty of spilling three opportunities, had a shot at redeeming himself. He positioned himself well but tantalisingly floored the ball to leave Duckett a lifeline on 97, leaving Siraj livid in anguish. The explosive southpaw made the most of the opportunity and pulled out a reverse sweep to send the ball screaming to the boundary rope. The moment the ball breezed past the line, Duckett leapt and punched his fist in the air to celebrate a special hundred. Rain intervened and offered India a chance to rejig its plans and push a late comeback in the Test to tip the scales on their side. Prasidh was the glimmer of hope that India yearned for and offered the tourists a moment of reprieve. Moments after the resumption of play, Prasidh lured a thick outside edge with a late outswing to remove Crawley on 65(126). In his next over, with a touch of reverse swing, Prasidh rattled the timber to remove Ollie Pope cheaply on 8(8). Joe Root joined Duckett and broke India's rhythm without breaking a sweat. The scoreboard kept ticking as Root used his strength to maintain a constant boundary flow. Root cleared the boundary rope with a surreal switch hit for an effortless towering maximum. India needed inspiration, and Shardul Thakur became the beacon of hope. He used all his experience, deceived Duckett with his pace and lured Duckett into depositing the ball to substitute Nitish Reddy. On the next ball, Harry Brook ambled down the crease, looking to flick the ball, but gave away a faint edge to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and returned with a golden duck. When India stood in a position to make inroads into England's middle order, rain intervened yet again to force an early tea. In the first session, England steadily built on their platform and went into lunch at 117 without loss, needing a further 254 runs for victory. Crawley and Duckett batted with composure and control, blunting the Indian attack. Duckett was the more aggressive of the two, racing to 64 off 89 balls with eight boundaries. Crawley, anchoring the innings, remained unbeaten on 42 off 93 deliveries, including four boundaries. The pair brought up the 50-run partnership in 16.2 overs and crossed the 100 mark in 24.3 overs, keeping the required run rate in check. India's bowling attack failed to make any breakthroughs in the session. Jasprit Bumrah bowled tightly and conceded just 21 runs in his nine overs, but also dropped a tough return catch off Crawley that could have provided the much-needed opening. Mohammed Siraj gave away 23 runs from eight overs, while Ravindra Jadeja kept things tidy with figures of 4-0-9-0. However, both Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur proved expensive, Krishna leaking 38 runs from his six overs and Thakur conceding 17 runs in just three. India began the Headingley Test on a strong note, dominating Day 1 with a commanding total of 359/3. However, their momentum dipped on Day 2 as they were bundled out for 471, adding just 112 runs to their overnight score. In response, England ended Day 2 at 209/3 in their first innings and went on to post 465, trailing India by just six runs. India began their second innings under slight pressure and ended Day 3 at 90/2. On Day 4, India managed to post 364 in their second innings, setting England a challenging target of 371. By stumps, England had safely reached 21/0. The final day saw England produce a near-flawless run chase. Led by Ben Duckett's stunning 149 and key contributions from Zak Crawley, Joe Root and Jamie Smith, the hosts reached the target in just 82 overs, finishing at 373/5 to clinch a five-wicket win and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series. Brief scores: India 471 & 364 (KL Rahul 137, Rishabh Pant 118; Josh Tongue 3/72) vs England 373/5 (Ben Duckett 149, Zak Crawley 65; Shardul Thakur 2/51). (ANI)
