England defeated India in first Test. England successfully chased down a huge target of 371 runs at Leeds Headingly to win the first Test of the five-match series by 5 wickets on Wednesday.
Ben Duckett emerged as the home side’s hero with a fantastic 149.
Hosts’ impressive batting display exposed weaknesses in India’s bowling attack, which could not defend a decent number of runs. Even Jasprit Bumrah, who ran through the English batting in the first innings, couldn’t take a single wicket in the second.
The Indian performance also raised questions about batsmen shining individually but the team not being able put up a fight collectively.
Indians also showed their over reliance on fast bowler Bumrah. Considered one of the finest bowlers in contemporary cricket, Bumrah’s overuse in the last series against Australia saw him break down and miss several contests.
India loss looks all the starker in view of the fact that the tourists fell short despite scoring 5 centuries in the match compared to England’s two. England defeat India in first Test
England began their second innings at 21 without loss, still 350 runs away from the target. In Test cricket, such a chase on the final day is rare, with matches either ending in a draw or a loss. But played Bazball style cricket, hitting unconventionally to foil their opponents
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett saw off the first session without loss. By lunch, England were 117/0, and India had no breakthroughs.
Earlier, Jasprit Bumrah dropped a catch off his own bowling, and Mohammad Siraj was seen arguing with England’s Ben Duckett.
After lunch, England continued strongly. India’s first breakthrough came at 188, when Crawley fell for 65. The second wicket fell 18 runs later at 206 when Ollie Pope was dismissed by Krishna for 8. India struck next when the score was 253, dismissing Duckett, who made 149.
Match Summary
Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, 1st Test, Leeds
World Test Championship
India 1st innings: 471 all out (Jaiswal 101, Gill 147, Pant 134; Stokes 4 wickets)
England 1st innings: 465 all out (Pope 106; Bumrah 5 wickets)
India 2nd innings: 364 all out (Rahul 137, Pant 118)
England 2nd innings: 371/5 (Duckett 149)
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