Ben Duckett Turns Headingley Into a Batting Carnival, Scripting England’s Historic Chase Against India

Ben Duckett delivered a masterclass in aggressive batting, hammering a sensational 149 to lead England to a record-breaking five-wicket victory over India in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, on June 24, 2025. Chasing a daunting 371, England’s openers set the tone for a thrilling final day, with Duckett’s audacious strokeplay leaving India’s bowlers and fielders reeling.

 

Duckett, who struck 21 boundaries and a reverse-swept six off Ravindra Jadeja, anchored a 188-run opening stand with Zak Crawley (65), laying the foundation for England’s second-highest successful run chase in Test history—surpassed only by their 378-run chase against India at Edgbaston in 2022. Joe Root’s composed 53 and Jamie Smith’s brisk 44 further eased the chase, as England took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

 

India’s bowlers, barring Jasprit Bumrah’s probing spells, struggled for support and discipline, leaking boundaries at crucial moments. The visitors’ fielding woes, including a costly drop of Duckett on 97, compounded their misery. Despite Rishabh Pant’s historic twin centuries, India became the first team to lose a Test after posting five individual hundreds.

 

Key Highlights

“Duckett’s name now joins those of legends etched in Headingley’s rich history, alongside Botham, Mark Butcher, Shai Hope, and Ben Stokes.”

 

Source: Daily Excelsior, BBC Sport, Sky Sports, Reuters, ESPNcricinfo.