According to reports, England pulled off a sensational victory at Leeds, chasing down a steep target of 371 to beat India by five wickets and go 1-0 up in the Test series.
The stunning win, England’s second-highest successful chase in Test history, was powered by a magnificent 149-run masterclass from opener Ben Duckett, whose fearless stroke play laid the perfect foundation on a tense final day.
The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with rain delays, bold strokes, missed chances, and top-class performances from both sides. However, it was England’s solid opening partnership and their ability to keep composure under pressure that turned the tide.
Duckett, who batted with control and flair, found an ideal partner in Zak Crawley. Together, they built a massive 188-run stand that laid the foundation for England’s pursuit. Crawley contributed a vital 65, while Duckett punished the Indian bowlers for anything loose, especially after drinks in the first session.
India’s bowlers toiled hard in the morning session but couldn’t find an early breakthrough as England’s openers stood firm. Prasidh Krishna eventually broke the partnership by dismissing Crawley and later got Ollie Pope with a sharp delivery that nipped back.
When Duckett fell just one run short of 150, and Shardul Thakur removed Harry Brook in the very next ball, India had a sniff at a dramatic turnaround.
But Joe Root, calm as ever, held firm. Together with debutant Jamie Smith, Joe Root built a solid unbeaten stand that guided England to victory and denied India any late breakthroughs in the final session. Root’s elegant 53* and Smith’s attacking 44* ensured there were no further hiccups. Smith closed the match in style, smashing Ravindra Jadeja for a boundary followed by two sixes.
Earlier in the match, India had dominated with the bat. Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant each notched up brilliant centuries in the match, showcasing India’s batting strength across both innings.
Despite that, the bowlers couldn’t defend the total. Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, couldn't make a breakthrough in the second innings, finishing without a wicket. Jadeja got the crucial wicket of Ben Stokes, who was aggressive but fell playing one reverse sweep too many.
India also had some sloppy moments in the field, with key catches dropped including one when Duckett was on 94. Those mistakes proved costly in the end.
This unforgettable Test match had it all nerves, drama, brilliance, and twists at every turn. While India will regret missed chances, England will celebrate a famous victory that showcased their resilience and attacking mindset.