Duckett’s Century Leads England to Historic Win Over India
A scintillating century from Ben Duckett powered England to a stunning five-wicket win over India in the first Test at Headingley, chasing down 371, the 10th highest successful run chase in Test history.
Set a daunting target on the final day, England began confidently as openers Duckett and Zak Crawley posted a 188-run partnership, the second-highest fourth-innings opening stand in England’s Test history. Duckett reached his sixth Test century with style, striking a cover drive for four, while Crawley contributed 65 before falling just after lunch.
India clawed back with two wickets in two balls – Duckett and Harry Brook followed by Ben Stokes’ dismissal for 33, attempting a reverse sweep. At 299-5, the match was finely balanced.
However, Joe Root’s composed, unbeaten 53 steadied the chase, and debutant Jamie Smith sealed the win with a towering six. Despite India’s five centuries in the match and a dominant first innings total of 430-3, England’s resilience shone through to take a 1-0 lead in the five-Test series in dramatic fashion.
