England have claimed a thrilling five-wicket victory over India in the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, setting the tone for what promises to be an unforgettable series.
On the fifth and final day at Headingley, Leeds, England chased down 350 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. This monumental win marks England’s second-highest successful Test chase in history and their greatest at Headingley—yet another glorious chapter in their storied legacy at this iconic ground.
The Test was a rollercoaster ride from the outset. England, under Ben Stokes, made the bold decision to bowl first on a seemingly batter-friendly surface. India’s top order responded confidently, with openers laying a 91-run foundation, followed by a stunning 129-run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Shubman Gill. By the end of Day 1, India were cruising at 359/3, with centuries from both Gill and Rishabh Pant. However, England roared back on Day 2, reducing India from 430/3 to 471 all out, courtesy of inspired spells by Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue.
In reply, England stumbled early but recovered swiftly. Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope led a strong middle-order fightback, aided by dropped catches from India. England ended Day 2 at 209/3, nearly matching India’s total after gritty innings from Pope and Brook. Despite India’s bowling threats, England narrowed the deficit to just 6 runs by the end of their first innings.
India’s second innings was built around centuries from Pant and KL Rahul, but once again, England’s bowlers surged back with the second new ball. India collapsed from a strong position to be all out for 364, leaving England a target of 350.
England began Day 5 with all ten wickets intact. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley forged a formidable 188-run opening stand. Duckett, dropped on 97, went on to score a match-defining 149, while Crawley added a crucial 60. Despite a brief scare when Shardul Thakur claimed two quick wickets, Joe Root and Jamie Smith steered England to victory after a brief cameo from Stokes.
Duckett was named Player of the Match for his sublime 149 in the second innings and 62 in the first. Speaking post-match, he praised India’s competitiveness and credited his teammates, especially Crawley and Root, for their roles in the chase. Reflecting on the game, Duckett highlighted the importance of maturity, planning, and England’s determination not to let the match slip.
England skipper Ben Stokes praised his side’s mentality, saying the team never looked for a draw. He lauded Duckett’s approach and pointed to Josh Tongue’s vital breakthroughs. Stokes emphasized that the fielding attitude and hunger to fight in every session were pivotal in securing victory against a high-quality Indian side.
India captain Shubman Gill, while disappointed, remained optimistic. He admitted his side missed crucial chances and suffered from lower-order collapses but believed his young team would learn and come back stronger. Gill commended the performances of Pant, Rahul, and Jadeja, and assured fans that India will regroup ahead of the second Test.
This loss will sting India, especially after dominating large portions of the match. However, they now have time to reset before the second Test begins on July 2 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy still wide open, England and India are set to deliver more enthralling cricket in the matches to come.