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

Image Source: Cricket Australia

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

Ben Duckett smashed 149 off 170 balls, with 21 fours and a reverse-swept six, earning player-of-the-match honors.
England chased down 371, their second-highest successful Test run chase.
Zak Crawley contributed 65 in a 188-run opening partnership with Duckett.
Joe Root (53) and Jamie Smith (44) provided crucial middle-order support.
Rishabh Pant became the first Indian to score centuries in both innings of a Test, but India’s five centuries couldn’t prevent defeat.
Jasprit Bumrah’s early breakthroughs were not enough as other Indian bowlers struggled for consistency.
England now lead the five-match series 1-0, with the next Test at Birmingham starting July 2.

“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.