-Trisha Ghosal in Leeds
There it was again—Headingley producing drama, grit, and a blockbuster ending. India piled on five centuries and amassed over 800 runs in the match, but England stepped in when it mattered. From Duckett’s lightning start to Stokes’ toss call and the death-overs hunting of the Indian tail, the pivotal moments swung in England’s favour—and that meant victory.
Duckett & Crawley’s Opening Blitz
In the face of a daunting 371-run chase, England went on the front foot, roaring to a 100-plus stand with breathtaking intent. Ben Duckett’s 149 was a display of fearless Bazball aggression. Zak Crawley’s calm 65 complemented Duckett’s fire, and before India could regroup, the dynamic duo had stolen momentum and confidence.
Stokes’ Toss Masterstroke
Ben Stokes’ decision to bowl first raised eyebrows, but his strategic mind held firm. Spotting top-moisture on the pitch, he evoked history and confidence in England’s chase ethos:
“Stats and instinct said bowl first… we chase superbly here.”
He trusted both conditions and his side’s ability to thrive in pursuit—and he was vindicated.
Ruthless Tail-Hunting
England’s seamers, led by Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse, ripped through India’s tail in brutal fashion—twice. Bundling out the lower order for 41 and 31, England ensured India’s mammoth century-fest wouldn’t win the day. Those bowling bursts turned potential desperation into dominance.
Also Read: “Knew We’d Knock Over a Few Early”: Stokes Justifies Toss Call After Headingley Chase Masterclass
India’s Drops, England’s Edges
India dropped six catches and let key moments slip. Duckett survived an early reprieve in the first innings and another reprieve in the second innings and went on to shift the game. They dropped Ollie Pope and Harry Brook and both went on to make India pay.
Heritage Ground, Fourth-Innings Theatre
Headingley has a track record: it’s fertile territory for chase heroes. Four 300-plus chases have been successful here, and England added another to that legacy. The crowd, chilled yet electric, withstood grey skies and rain threats, erupting for every boundary and howl of “not out.” The ground’s spirit lifted England when the game’s weight felt heavy.
Stokes Continues the Charge
From that bold toss to the final six off Jamie Smith, this win was textbook Bazball—intent, courage, and clarity. Stokes and McCullum’s aggressive mantra has propelled England into uncharted heights: six successful 250+ chases under this style, more than any side in Test history.
India may have dominated the broad stats, but England grabbed the narratives. They seized the openers’ stand, the toss strategy, the tail carnage—and when it mattered, they held their ground. Headingley delivered again. England lived in the moments. And in those moments, they found victory.
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