England Script Thrilling 371-Run Chase to Beat India, Take 1-0 Lead in Test Series

Shubman Gill’s debut as India’s Test captain began with a tough reality check as England secured a five-wicket victory in the opening match of the five-Test series.

Despite five Indian batsmen scoring centuries, India could not defend a significant total, allowing England to chase down a target of 371 runs on the final day at Headingley.

Duckett’s Century Sets Up England’s Chase

England opener Ben Duckett produced a remarkable knock of 149 runs from 170 balls, exposing the shortcomings of the Indian bowling attack.

Duckett’s innings, which included 21 boundaries and a reverse-swept six off Ravindra Jadeja, set the tone for the chase. His 188-run partnership with Zak Crawley, who scored 65, laid a solid foundation.

Joe Root contributed an unbeaten 53, and Jamie Smith added 44 not out, guiding England to a comfortable win.

Gavaskar Questions India’s Fielding Standards

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar did not hold back in his assessment of the team’s performance. Speaking on Sony Sports, Gavaskar praised England for their confidence and composure but was critical of India’s efforts in the field.

“Full credit to England. Despite India having five centurions, they seemed to have that confidence. That is what made them take the final wickets. So that is where India also missed out because those extra runs could have made the difference,” he said.

“As far as the fielding was concerned, it’s just not the catch but the out-fielding was pretty ordinary. Not Test class,” Gavaskar added.

Bowlers Could Have Used More Support

Gavaskar defended the bowlers to an extent, given the favourable batting conditions, but stressed the need for better support.

“It was a very good pitch to bat on, so very tough to criticise the bowlers. Bumrah bowled so well. If he had somebody keeping it a bit tight, that would have been a big help,” Gavaskar explained.

Call for Serious Practice

The former cricketer also advised the players to approach practice sessions more seriously.

“Next couple of days you can take off, but now seriously get into practice. Leave this optional practice aside. You have come here to play for India. So, you practice in a way so that you will give yourself the best,” he urged.

Referring to past incidents, Gavaskar pointed out how Cheteshwar Pujara’s commitment to practice was sometimes questioned, even by coaching staff.

“I mean Cheteshwar Pujara has been part of the optional team. I know when he has opted to bat there have been people who have said, ‘What are you doing?’ including the coaching staff,” Gavaskar shared.

Stokes Hails Duckett After Memorable Win

England captain Ben Stokes praised Duckett’s composed innings and highlighted the significance of the opening partnership.

“Duckett was unbelievable. The pressure of the fourth innings is tough, and batting is hard enough, especially in England. That partnership between Zak [Crawley] and Duckett was just incredible, they set us up brilliantly,” Stokes said.

Stokes also appreciated Crawley’s role in maintaining composure during the tense chase.

England’s Decision at the Toss Justified

Stokes faced scrutiny after electing to bowl first, as India posted a formidable 471 in their first innings. However, England’s successful chase validated the decision.

“You don’t know what’s going to happen before a ball has been bowled. You’ve got to go with what you think is going to give you the best chance of winning the game,” Stokes explained.

India’s Missed Chances Prove Costly

Despite centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), Shubman Gill (147), KL Rahul (137), and Rishabh Pant (134 and 118), India’s missed opportunities in the field proved decisive.

England capitalised to complete their second-highest successful chase in Test cricket.

Root and Smith Complete the Chase

England briefly wobbled after the dismissals of Crawley, Duckett, and Harry Brook. However, Root and Smith steadied the innings. With India’s fielding slipping towards the end, England comfortably completed the chase, with Smith sealing the win with a six.

England now lead the series 1-0 as both teams prepare for the next Test.