India vs England 1st Test Day 5 Live: Duckett’s 149 Puts England in Command in Record Chase
England are closing in on a record fourth-innings chase of 371 runs against India at Headingley, with just 102 runs required and six wickets in hand at tea on Day 5. Ben Duckett was the standout performer, smashing a sensational 149 off 170 balls, anchoring a dominant opening partnership of 188 runs with Zak Crawley (65) that set the tone for England’s aggressive approach.
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Duckett dazzled with fearless strokeplay, employing reverse sweeps, cuts, and pulls, even unsettling India’s ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah. While Bumrah was sharp early on, the lack of support from Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur, who leaked runs, allowed England to build momentum quickly.
A rain break after lunch gave India a chance to regroup. Prasidh Krishna struck twice with fuller deliveries, removing both Crawley and Ollie Pope in quick succession. Shardul Thakur then delivered a crucial double blow — Duckett fell to a mistimed drive, followed immediately by Harry Brook, who was caught down the leg side, giving India a late lifeline.
At tea, Joe Root (14)* and Ben Stokes (13)* are at the crease, steering England toward what could be a historic chase. However, India’s missed chances — particularly a dropped catch by Yashasvi Jaiswal — and the decision to go without a wrist-spinner like Kuldeep Yadav may prove costly.
With the match hanging in the balance, fans can expect a nail-biting final session.