ISLAMABAD (PEN) : A magnificent century by opener Ben Duckett propelled England to a remarkable five-wicket victory over India in the first Test at Headingley, successfully chasing 371 runs—marking the *10th-highest successful run chase* in Test cricket history.
Duckett Shines as England Chases Down Historic Target
Duckett’s composed yet fluent knock of *149* anchored England’s innings as they overturned India’s commanding first-innings total of *430-3. His 188-run opening partnership with **Zak Crawley* (65) laid a solid platform and was the *second-highest fourth-innings opening stand* for England in Test cricket.
“It was a huge number of runs and we have been lucky with the weather,” Duckett said post-match. “We only had to look at the scoreboard to know that if we batted the overs, we would win the game.”
Middle-Order Wobbles After Strong Start
Resuming Day 5 at *21-0*, Duckett and Crawley initially adopted a cautious approach, bringing up their 50-run stand in 99 balls—unusually slow for England’s aggressive style. Once set, the duo accelerated before a brief collapse rattled the hosts.
India clawed back into contention with two wickets in two deliveries—removing Duckett and *Harry Brook—while **Ollie Pope* and *Ben Stokes* also fell cheaply, exposing England’s middle order.
Despite the stumbles, former captain *Joe Root* steadied the innings with an unbeaten *53, guiding England home with debutant **Jamie Smith*, who sealed the win in style with a six.
“To have Root out there, it’s pretty easy to be calm,” Duckett added.
India’s Missed Chances and Costly Collapses
Despite boasting *five individual centuries* across both innings—a historic first for a losing Test side—India’s collapse in both innings ultimately cost them. From 430-3, the team lost their last seven wickets for just 41 runs in the first innings and then lost six for 31 in the second.
India’s captain *Shubman Gill* reflected on the defeat: “We had our chances. A few dropped catches and the lower order not contributing as much as we would like cost us… It just didn’t go our way in this match.”
India’s *Rishabh Pant* also received an official reprimand for dissent during the match, adding to the side’s frustrations.
Historic Feats and Series Momentum
Duckett’s fourth-innings hundred was the *first by an England opener in 15 years, since Alastair Cook’s century in Mirpur in 2010. His 149 stands as the **second-highest fourth-innings score* by an English opener.
For England, the win marks a dominant start to the five-Test series and builds momentum ahead of a busy summer, including the highly anticipated Ashes. Their revamped but refined attacking style delivered their *second-highest run chase* in history.
