Leeds | June 25 | Gurudatt Wakdekar
(Sports) In a historic moment in Test cricket, England stunned India with a sensational five-wicket victory. Riding on a blistering century from Ben Duckett and solid half-centuries from Zak Crawley and Joe Root, England comfortably chased down the target of 371 runs and took a 1–0 lead in the five-match Test series.
(Sports) In this match, England won the toss and chose to bat first. India posted a formidable 471 runs in their first innings. In reply, England scored 465 runs, conceding a narrow lead of just six runs to India. In the second innings, India were bowled out for 364, setting England a target of 371.
(Sports) On the fifth day, England resumed at 21/0 and did not allow India’s bowlers any success in the first session. Zak Crawley (65) and Ben Duckett (149) laid a strong foundation for victory with a 188-run opening partnership. Although India took four wickets in the second session, Root (53) and Jamie Smith (44) batted patiently to guide England to a historic win.
India’s bowlers lacked the expected sharpness in the second innings. Jasprit Bumrah, who had taken five wickets in the first innings, failed to claim any in the second. Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur took two wickets each, while Ravindra Jadeja claimed one.
India played this match without Rohit Sharma and the recently retired Virat Kohli. Shubman Gill was handed the captaincy, but his leadership debut was marred by defeat. India’s lower order failed in both innings, and the bowling attack was ineffective during crucial moments.
This defeat has resulted in a disappointing start for India in the new cycle of the World Test Championship (2025–27). India is currently in fourth place on the points table. Meanwhile, England, after their victory in Leeds, top the table with 12 points and a 100% points percentage. Bangladesh and Sri Lanka occupy the second and third positions, respectively.
India now faces the challenge of the second Test in the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, to be played in Birmingham. Can India make a comeback? This match will be crucial, and all eyes are on the upcoming clash.
