England stunned India with a memorable five-wicket victory in the opening Test at Headingley, chasing down a formidable 371-run target — the 10th highest successful chase in the history of Test cricket. The win was anchored by Ben Duckett’s masterful 149, marking one of the finest fourth-innings knocks by an English opener in modern times.

Starting day five at 21 without loss, Duckett and Zak Crawley batted cautiously early on, taking 99 balls to register their 50-run stand. However, once settled, they accelerated smoothly, compiling a 188-run partnership — England’s second-highest fourth-innings opening stand in Test history.

Duckett brought up his sixth Test century with effortless timing, piercing the off-side field with precision. Crawley departed for 65, but the drama truly unfolded when Duckett and Harry Brook fell on consecutive deliveries, reigniting India’s hopes.

When Ben Stokes attempted a risky reverse sweep only to be dismissed for 33, the game hung in the balance. Yet, Joe Root, ever the calm presence at his home ground, guided the chase with an unbeaten 53. Debutant Jamie Smith provided the final blow, smashing a six to seal England’s dramatic win.

Records Shattered in an Unforgettable Test

The contest wasn’t short of records. It marked the first time a team scored five centuries in a single Test and still lost. Indian batters Jaiswal, Gill, Pant (twice), and KL Rahul all reached three figures, but it was England’s composure that prevailed.

Adding to India’s woes were two dramatic batting collapses — losing 7 wickets for 41 runs in the first innings and their final 6 for 31 in the second. The match also featured six ducks from Indian batters, including three in each innings.

Duckett’s Century Breaks a 15-Year Drought

Duckett’s fourth-innings hundred was England’s first by an opener since Alastair Cook’s century in Mirpur, 2010. Speaking post-match, he said, “It was a high-pressure chase. We always believed that if we batted through the overs, the result would come. Root being out there just brings calm.”

India’s skipper Shubman Gill admitted the team let opportunities slip. “Dropped catches and lack of tail-end resistance cost us. But this team is learning, and we’ll bounce back.”

As England look ahead to the Ashes, this statement win could mark a powerful beginning to their summer campaign.