On June 24, 2025, Ben Duckett’s brilliant century guided England to a sensational five-wicket victory against India in the first Test at Headingley in a historic chase of 371 runs, the 10th highest in Test history. Despite India’s five centuries in the match, England’s resilience and strategic batting secured a 1-0 lead in the five-Test series.
England began day five at 21-0, with openers Duckett and Zak Crawley cautiously building a 117-0 lead by lunch. Their 188-run partnership, the second-highest England opening stand in a Test fourth innings, set the tone. Duckett’s imperious 149, including a sixth Test hundred, was the second-highest fourth-innings score by an English opener, trailing only Alastair Cook’s 2010 effort.
Talk about standing up when we need it most 😮💨
Ben Duckett goes to his century 👏
🤝@IGcom pic.twitter.com/W9D4gHrzLs
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 24, 2025India fought back, with Shardul Thakur dismissing Duckett and Harry Brook in consecutive balls, and Ravindra Jadeja removing Ben Stokes (33) after an ambitious reverse sweep. Joe Root’s unbeaten 53 and Jamie Smith’s match-sealing six steadied England, clinching the victory amidst a tense atmosphere.
Despite scoring five centuries, India’s defeat marked a historic anomaly—the first time a team achieved this feat and lost a Test. Two batting collapses proved costly: from 430-3 in the first innings, India lost their last seven wickets for 41 runs, and in the second innings, their final six fell for 31. Dropped catches and six ducks (three per innings) further undermined their effort. Captain Shubman Gill acknowledged, “A few dropped catches and the lower order not contributing cost us,” but expressed pride in his young team’s learning curve.
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HEADINGLEE
Ben Stokes saluted ‘unbelievable’ Ben Duckett after his stunning century saw England storm to a remarkable win at Headingley (@JohnSunCricket).
Plus – Jose Mourinho is closing in on taking Man Utd flop Jadon Sancho to Turkey (@MartinLipton) pic.twitter.com/6ZlQvx9zrf
— Sun Sport (@SunSport) June 24, 2025Duckett, reflecting on the chase, said, “Incredible, what a Test match. We only had to look at the scoreboard to know we’d win if we batted the overs.” He credited the calm dressing room, bolstered by Root’s presence, for maintaining composure. The victory, England’s second-highest Test run chase, sets a strong tone for their Ashes campaign later in 2025.
England’s aggressive yet refined batting approach, tempered by strategic patience, showcased their evolution under pressure. Duckett’s century and Root’s composure highlighted their depth, while India’s collapse exposed vulnerabilities despite their batting prowess. As the series continues, both teams will aim to address weaknesses, with India targeting consistency and England building momentum.
