By Sunidhi - Jun 24, 2025
England's Ben Duckett shines in historic Test victory against India at Headingley, scoring 149 runs in a remarkable fourth-innings chase as England secures a five-wicket win. Duckett's standout performance, including a record-breaking partnership with Zak Crawley, propels England to a memorable victory and sets the stage for an exciting Test series ahead.
Test cricket via Rawpixel
LATEST
England opener Ben Duckett etched his name into the history books of Test cricket with a phenomenal performance that led England to a breathtaking five-wicket win over India in the first Test at Headingley. His impressive 149 runs in the fourth innings were the backbone of England's second-highest successful run chase in Test cricket, as they tackled a daunting target of 371 with both poise and aggression.
Duckett's innings was a brilliant display of bold yet measured batting, perfectly capturing England's "Bazball" spirit. He became the first England opener to hit a century in the fourth innings of a Test match at Headingley, a remarkable achievement that had only been accomplished once before by an opening batsman at this iconic ground. His partnership with Zak Crawley, which produced a staggering 188 runs for the first wicket, laid the ideal groundwork for England's chase, dismantling India's bowling attack and swinging the momentum firmly in favor of the home side.
But it wasn't just about the runs; Duckett’s innings was packed with significant milestones. He is now only the second English opener in the last three decades to score two 50-plus innings in a Headingley Test against India, joining the ranks of Alastair Cook. His 149 also marks the second-highest score by an English opener in a Test fourth innings, showcasing his grit and fearless stroke play under pressure. This historic Test between England and India will surely be remembered for Duckett's remarkable performance.
This victory not only gives England a vital 1-0 lead in the five-match series but also highlights their growing reputation for pulling off extraordinary fourth-innings chases. Ben Duckett's record-setting contributions at Headingley have kicked off the series in unforgettable fashion, leaving cricket fans eagerly anticipating more thrilling moments as the teams head to Edgbaston for the second Test.