Trisha Ghosal in Leeds
Headingley continues to be England’s chosen theatre for fourth-innings drama, and Ben Stokes’ men delivered another blockbuster to kickstart the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Chasing 371, England made it look routine — Ben Duckett’s dazzling 149, Jamie Smith’s cool finish, and the collective Bazball spirit sealing the win in just 82 overs. It’s England’s sixth straight Test win at this venue, all after bowling first.
For India, a nightmare start to the Shubman Gill era — five centuries, six dropped catches, two collapses. England won the moments. And Ben Stokes, speaking at the post-match press conference, was calm but confident in how his side pulled it off.
On Another Headingley Chase and Series Momentum
“We’ve been pretty good at this ground in recent times,” Stokes said with a smile. “To start the series like this, going 1-0 up, is a great feeling. Two good teams were up against each other, and we came out on top.”
On England’s Execution with the Ball
“It was a very good wicket for batting,” he acknowledged. “So the way we knocked over the Indian tail quickly in both innings was crucial. That helped us keep the target manageable.”
India collapsed for 7/41 in the first innings and 6/31 in the second — something Stokes credited to his bowlers’ ruthlessness when the door opened.
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“Knocked the Indian tail very quickly… It helped us restrict them.” – Ben Stokes reflects on a key factor in their Headingley win.
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On His Toss Decision to Bowl First
“You never really know how the wicket’s going to play,” Stokes explained. “There looked to be a bit of moisture on top. I thought we had a good chance of knocking 2-3 over in the first hour. Credit to India, they batted well. But overall, it was a great Test match.”
The decision raised a few eyebrows on Day 1, but Stokes’ faith in his attack and fourth-innings form paid off emphatically.
On the Road Ahead
“There are four more games to go — we’ll have some good days and some tough ones,” he said. “But we’re looking forward to it. Being 1-0 up heading into Edgbaston is the best possible start.”
From instincts at the toss to relentless belief in the fourth innings, Stokes and England have set the tone. India will need more than just individual brilliance if they want to turn this series around.
Also Read: “Nobody Dropped Catches on Purpose”: Gautam Gambhir Stands by Team After Headingley Collapse