In one of the most dramatic finishes in recent Test history, England pulled off a sensational five-wicket victory over India at Headingley, Leeds. What makes this result even more baffling is that India posted five centuries across both innings, yet still ended up on the losing side.
England’s chase of 371 runs on the final day is now ranked among the Top 10 highest successful fourth-innings chases in Test cricket. Led by Ben Duckett’s fearless 149 and a composed partnership with Zak Crawley, England stunned India in a match that should have been theirs to win.
1. Five Centuries But No Finish Line
India’s batters were in brilliant form. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant (twice!) all scored centuries something rarely seen in a single Test match for one side. India piled up 471 in the first innings and set a massive 370-plus target in the second.
But both innings saw lower-order collapses. India lost their last 7 wickets for just 41 runs in the first innings and failed to stretch their second-innings lead significantly. This failure to capitalize on top-order dominance left the door open.
2. Fielding Errors That Changed the Game
- India’s fielding performance was arguably the turning point.
- 6 catches dropped in the first innings alone.
- Key chances off Bumrah’s bowling were grassed, including by Jaiswal and Pant.
- Missed run-outs and half-chances added pressure.
These lapses allowed England’s batters especially Duckett to settle in and pile on runs. In Test cricket, one dropped catch can flip momentum. India dropped six.
3. Over-Reliance on Bumrah in the Bowling Department
Jasprit Bumrah delivered a brilliant five-wicket haul in the first innings, but he received little support from the rest of the bowling unit. In the final innings, England’s counterattack neutralized Bumrah’s threat completely.
- Jadeja’s spin proved ineffective against England’s aggressive approach.
- The pace bowlers lacked consistency and didn’t exploit the new ball well.
- England’s left-right batting combinations disrupted India’s rhythm.
- Without pressure from both ends, England’s batters found it easy to rotate strike and build partnerships.
4. England’s Clear, Aggressive Game Plan
- Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum’s “Bazball” strategy came into full play.
- Duckett and Crawley launched a 188-run opening stand at an electric run rate.
- Joe Root and debutant Jamie Smith finished the chase calmly on Day 5.
- England didn’t let scoreboard pressure affect their intent.
Unlike India, England executed their plan with belief and bravery. Their field placements, bowling rotations, and batting approach all clicked.
5. Mental Errors and Tactical Lapses from India
India had multiple opportunities to close out the game, but lapses in decision-making cost them. Despite being in a dominant position after Day 3, India let the game drift. Mental fatigue and poor tactics played into England’s hands.
- Defensive field settings in the final innings allowed easy singles.
- Lack of intensity after breaks or wickets.
- No follow-up pressure after initial breakthroughs.
Fun Fact: First Time in 148 years India becomes the first team in Test Cricket history to lose a match despite 5 Individual Centuries.
Final Thoughts: Lessons for India
This match is a classic example of how Test cricket isn’t just about big runs execution, fielding, pressure play, and mindset matter just as much. As the series moves to Edgbaston, India has plenty to think about. The batters are in form but the team must now focus on holding their nerve, lifting their fielding standards, and making smarter bowling choices.
- Next Test: India vs England – 2nd Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham – Starts: July 3, 2025
Written by RITESH SINGH
