Ben Duckett’s brilliant 149 and Joe Root’s calm 53* guide England to a record chase as India falter despite Shardul Thakur’s heroics on Day 5.
IND vs ENG LIVE Score, Day 5, Leeds Test – England pulled off a sensational five-wicket victory against India in the first Test of the five-match series at Headingley. Chasing a daunting 371, Ben Duckett smashed a remarkable 149 while Joe Root anchored the finish with an unbeaten 53, helping the hosts seal the game in dramatic fashion. Despite spirited efforts from Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna, India couldn’t prevent England from taking a 1-0 lead in the historic Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
As the final day dawned at Headingley, the contest was delicately poised with England at 21/0. The opening session saw Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley dominate proceedings, frustrating the Indian bowlers. The pair added 188 for the first wicket, setting the foundation for England’s commanding chase of 371 — the second-highest successful fourth-innings chase on English soil.
Duckett was the standout, combining aggression with calculated risk as he took on India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who remained wicketless during his opening spells. Zak Crawley supported with a fluent 65 before Prasidh Krishna finally broke the stand.
India clawed back into the game post-lunch. Shardul Thakur dismissed Duckett for 149 and then removed Harry Brook on the next delivery, raising hopes of a comeback. Rain briefly interrupted play, forcing an early Tea with England at 269/4, needing 102 more.
The match hung in the balance until Ravindra Jadeja removed Ben Stokes, but Joe Root’s composure, coupled with a steady cameo from Jonny Bairstow, carried England over the line. The home side ended at 373/5 in the fourth innings, wrapping up a famous win.
Key Highlights – IND vs ENG 1st Test, Day 5:
- England (373/5 & 465) beat India (471 & 364) by 5 wickets to go 1-0 up in the five-Test series.
- Ben Duckett’s 149 and Joe Root’s unbeaten 53 power England to the second-highest run chase in England.
- Shardul Thakur’s double strike (Duckett & Brook) sparks Indian fightback.
- Prasidh Krishna takes key wickets of Crawley and Pope.
- Zak Crawley registers a confident half-century (65).
- Rain delay before Tea with England at 269/4, needing 102.
- Ravindra Jadeja removes Ben Stokes, shifting momentum momentarily.
- India fail to capitalize on early breakthroughs; Bumrah goes wicketless.
- Shubman Gill’s captaincy debut ends in disappointment despite promising phases.
- Root and Bairstow close out chase with class and calm.
Analysis: A Classic Test to Open the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
This Leeds Test had all the makings of a classic. From gripping Day 5 tension, high-quality batting, fluctuating fortunes, and tactical duels, it lived up to the stature of the newly inaugurated Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Both teams showed fight, but it was England who remained calm under pressure, continuing their aggressive Test renaissance under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.
For India, questions remain over bowling depth and fielding lapses, even as they showed determination on foreign soil. Shubman Gill’s brave leadership and Thakur’s clutch spells offered positives heading into the second Test.