India vs England 1st Test Day 5: England’s Historic Run Chase Triumphs Over India in Leeds Test
India vs England 1st Test Day 5:
On June 24, 2025, cricket fans at Headingley, Leeds, witnessed a match for the ages. England pulled off a stunning victory against India in the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, chasing down a difficult score of 371 runs with five wickets in hand. This remarkable feat not only secured a 1-0 lead in the five match series but also carved England’s name in the record books with their highest successful run chase at Leeds, surpassing their previous best of 362 against Australia in 2019.
The Match Setup
The Test began on June 20, 2025, with England winning the toss and choosing to bowl. India posted a formidable 471 in their first innings, powered by centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (101 off 159 balls), captain Shubman Gill (147 off 227 balls), and the explosive Rishabh Pant (134 off 178 balls). The trio dominated England’s bowlers, with Gill and Pant putting together a massive 209 run partnership for the fourth wicket. England’s Josh Tongue and their captain Ben Stokes fought back with four wickets each, but India’s total set a strong foundation.
England responded with 465 runs, just six runs short of India’s total. ollie pope led with a solid 106, supported by contributions from Harry Brook and others. Jasprit Bumrah was the standout for India, claiming five wickets for 83 runs, keeping the contest tight.
In their second innings, India aimed to set a challenging target. KL Rahul anchored with a patient 137 off 247 balls, while Pant continued his stellar form, scoring 118 off 140 balls. Their 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket helped India reach 364, setting England a target of 371 runs on a fifth day pitch showing signs of wear.
England’s Record-Breaking Chase
Chasing 371 was no small task, but England’s openers, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, attacked from the start. Duckett, in particular, was unstoppable, racing to 149 off 170 balls with 21 fours and a six. His aggressive approach, combined with Crawley’s composed 65, resulted in a 188-run opening stand in just 42.2 overs. This partnership laid the perfect platform for the chase.
The momentum shifted after a rain break on day five, when India struck back. Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur took quick wickets, dismissing Crawley, Ollie Pope (8), Duckett, and Harry Brook (0) in quick succession, reducing England to 253 for four. With the match hanging in the balance, India sensed a chance to turn the tide.
Enter Joe Root and Ben Stokes. Stokes played a quick-fire 33 off 51 balls, steadying the innings alongside Root’s calm presence. After Stokes’ dismissal at 302 for five, Jamie Smith joined Root at the crease. Root, unbeaten on 53, anchored the chase, while Smith’s 44 not out, including a match winning six, sealed the victory in 82 overs. Duckett’s heroics earned him the Player of the Match award for his 62 and 149 across the two innings.
India’s Fight and Fielding Woes
India’s batting was a highlight, with Pant becoming the first Indian wicketkeeper to score centuries in both innings of a Test, a rare feat. Rahul’s 137 and Gill’s 147 showcased their class, but the lower order’s collapse in both the innings limited their total. On the bowling front, Shardul Thakur (2 for 51) and Prasidh Krishna (2 for 92) made inroads, but India’s fielding let them down. Six dropped catches, proved costly, allowing England crucial lifelines during the chase.
Statistical Highlights
|
Team |
1st Innings |
2nd Innings |
Target Set/Chased |
|---|---|---|---|
|
India |
471 (113 overs) |
364 (96 overs) |
371 |
|
England |
465 (1st innings) |
373/5 (82 overs) |
371 (chased) |
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England’s Record: The 371-run chase is England’s highest at Leeds, surpassing their 362 against Australia in 2019, led by Ben Stokes’ 135 not out Business Standard.
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Headingley Streak: This victory marks England’s sixth consecutive win at Headingley while chasing, all after bowling first, highlighting their aggressive “Bazball” approach.
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Pant’s Milestone: Rishabh Pant’s twin centuries (134 and 118) made him the first Indian wicketkeeper to achieve this in a Test match.
Series Context
England’s victory gives them a 1-0 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, named after cricket legends James Anderson and Sachin Tendulkar. India, having lost seven of their last nine Tests, face an uphill battle. With Jasprit Bumrah available for only two of the next four matches, India’s bowling strategy will be tested. England will look to maintain their momentum.
Looking Ahead
The first Test at Leeds delivered a thrilling spectacle, with England’s historic chase standing out as a testament to their fearless approach. For India, the focus will be on improving their fielding and bowling discipline to level the series. As the teams prepare for the next Test, cricket fans can expect more exciting battles in this fiercely contested series.
Sources : ESPNcricinfo , ICC
