India v England 1st Test Day 5: Duckett and Root star as hosts go 1-0

England chase a target of 371 losing five wickets on the final day of the first Test

Last updated: June 24, 2025 | 13:47

Jai Rai, Assistant Editor

2 MIN READ

England's Ben Duckett (L) and Zak Crawley run between wickets on day five of the first cricket Test against India at Headingley cricket ground in Leeds, northern England on June 24, 2025.

AFP

Dubai: Ben Duckett's fine 149 set the path for a record-breaking England win as they defeated India by five wickets in a dramatic first Test at Headingley on Tuesday.

Victory meant England became the first team to concede five individual hundreds in a first-class game - a span of more than 60,000 matches - and still win.

England, set 371 to win, finished on 373-5 in the last session of the fifth day as they went 1-0 up in a five-match series.

Jamie Smith (44 not out) stayed true to the aggressive 'Bazball' style that has seen England make light of several stiff run-chases with a six off spinner Ravindra Jadeja for the winning runs.

Joe Root was 53 not out on his Yorkshire home ground after opener Duckett had launched the pursuit in style during an impressive first-wicket stand of 188 with Zak Crawley (65).

At Tea

A twin strike from Shardul Thakur gave India a glimpse of hope as England were reduced to 256 for four.

England need another 115 runs while chasing a target of 371.

With two new batters - Joe Root and Ben Stokes - in the middle, India will hope to turn things around with a couple of more quick wickets.

At Lunch

Openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett put on a fine opening partnership to reach 117 for no loss at Lunch at Headingley on Tuesday.

The hosts need another 254 runs to reach a target of 371. Crawley was batting at 42 while Duckett unbeaten on 64.

Preview

The final day of the first Test between England and India promises to be a thriller. The Test has many possible outcomes with England needing another 350 runs to win with all 10 wickets intact.

Also Read: India vs England, 1st Test: Why England will win at Headingley

The weather forecast indicates an 84 per cent chance of rainfall on Tuesday.

England will be attempting to achieve the highest successful chase in a 5-day Test match at this ground.

Also Read: India v England first Test: Security guard goes viral after taking Rishabh Pant's catch

India's total of 364 was largely built around centuries from K L Rahul and Rishabh Pant. Their partnership of 195 runs at one point looked like it was taking the game away from the hosts but a late fightback from England bowlers ensured they have a bright chance to take the match away.

Jai RaiAssistant Editor

Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf. A former first-division cricket league captain himself, he brings not only a deep understanding of the game but also a cricketer's discipline to his work. His unique blend of athletic insight and journalistic expertise gives him a wide-ranging perspective that enriches his storytelling, making his coverage both detailed and engaging. Driven by an unrelenting passion for sports, he continues to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. As the day winds down for most, he begins his work, ensuring that the most captivating stories make it to the print edition in time for readers to receive them bright and early the next morning.