Ben Duckett's magnificent 149 has propelled England to a thrilling five-wicket victory over India at Headingley, marking a record-breaking chase and handing the visitors an ignominious record. England's win in the first Test of the five-match series puts them 1-0 up and is a testament to their aggressive "Bazball" approach, making light of a stiff 371-run target.
The Headingley Test witnessed a remarkable turn of events, with England becoming the first team in the history of first-class cricket to concede five individual centuries and still emerge victorious. This unprecedented feat underscores the drama and high-scoring nature of the match. India, despite amassing 835 runs, fell short, with their batting collapses at the end of each innings proving costly. Rishabh Pant's centuries in both innings made him only the second wicket-keeper to achieve this milestone in a Test match.
England's chase was anchored by Duckett's superb innings and an impressive opening stand of 188 with Zak Crawley (65). Joe Root, playing on his home ground, contributed a composed 53 not out, while Jamie Smith sealed the win with a six off Ravindra Jadeja, staying true to England's attacking mindset. This victory marks England's second-highest fourth-innings chase in Test history, just behind their 378 against India at Edgbaston three years prior, where Root also scored a century against an attack that included Jasprit Bumrah.
Duckett's innings was not without its share of luck. On 97, he top-edged a pull off Mohammed Siraj, only for Yashasvi Jaiswal to drop the catch. Duckett made the most of this reprieve, reaching his sixth Test century. His innings eventually ended when he drove Shardul Thakur to short extra cover, where substitute fielder Nitish Kumar Reddy took a sharp catch.
The match remained in the balance until the final session. With England at 253-4, needing another 118 runs, captain Ben Stokes joined Root at the crease. The experienced duo put together a fifty partnership before Stokes was dismissed for 33. However, Smith's arrival ensured there were no further hiccups, as he finished the game with a flourish.
India's woes were compounded by the failure of their premier fast bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, to take a wicket in the second innings, despite his impressive 5-83 in the first. Shubman Gill, captaining India for the first time, suffered defeat, adding to the disappointment.
This Test match will be remembered not only for England's thrilling victory but also for the unique record India now holds. Only three times in Test history has a team scored more runs in a match and lost. India's twin collapses of 7-41 and 6-31 at the end of each innings were ultimately their undoing.
