A Historic Chase, New Leadership, and all the Drama of Test Cricket at its Finest
The 1st Test between India and England at Headingley from June 20 to 24, 2025, produced one of the most exciting matches in recent memory. With the record-breaking performances, new skipper in command, and a thrilling finish, this game was a fantastic start to the 2025–07 ICC WTC cycle. Here is your recap if you missed anything of the action, including drama, statistics, and all the moments that have cricket fans talking.
Match Overview: IND vs END, 1st Test, Headingley
(June 20 to 24, 2025)
The tone for an exciting series was set at Headingley, Leeds, during the first Test of India tour of England, 2025. England, led by Ben Stokes, won the toss and decided to bowl first, in an attempt to take advantage of early seam movement on a lively wicket. India had a new team with returning player Karun Nair and debutant Sai Sudharsan under a new captain Shubman Gill. The match saw high-scoring innings from both the sides, record-breaking performances, and a dramatic final-day chase as England secured a memorable five wicket victory and 1-0 lead in the series over India.
Match Summary: England Pull Off a Record Chase
- Venue: Headingley, Leeds
- Dates: June 20–24, 2025
- Toss: England won the toss and chose to bowl first!
- Result: England won by 5 wickets, chasing 371 in the fourth innings, a feat that instantly entered the record books.
- POTM: Ben Duckett, ENG (62 & 149)
Scorecard summary:
| Innings | India | England | Top Scorer | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 471 | 465 | Rishabh Pant (219) | Ind led by 6 runs |
| 2nd | 364 | 373/5 | Ben Duckett (149) | Eng won by 5 wickets |
Playing XIs:
- England Playing XI-
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir
- India Playing XI-
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
Brief of all innings:
- India 1st Innings-
After being put in to bat, India started strongly at Headingley, thanks to a solid opening stand between KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Rahul played the anchor role, while Jaiswal brought up a fine century. On debut, Sai Sudharsan came in at No. 3, followed by Shubman Gill, who added another century in the middle order. But it was Rishabh Pant who stole the show with a counterattacking knock, well supported by Karun Nair and Ravindra Jadeja, helping India post a hefty 471. England’s bowlers worked hard on a flat pitch, with Ben Stokes striking twice and Carse removing Rahul. Woakes, Tongue, and Bashir bowled long, testing spells without success. Just when India looked set for an even bigger score, England roared back, taking the last 7 wickets for just 41 runs. It was a spirited late fightback that kept the match in balance after a day dominated by India’s top order.
- England 1st Innings-
England responded strongly, with Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley giving them a good start. Joe Root’s support and Ollie Pope’s beautiful 106 held the innings together. While Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith, and Harry Brook contributed vital runs further down the order. Jasprit Bumrah was India’s star, picking up a superb 5/83 and striking key blows, especially in the lower order. However, India’s fielding let them down, dropping Harry Brook twice as he went on to score 99. The rest of the bowlers struggled to build pressure, allowing England’s lower order to add 189 runs and close just six runs behind at 465.
- India 2nd Innings-
India’s batters put up another solid show in the second innings, with KL Rahul and debutant Sai Sudharsan chipping in again and Rishabh Pant rewriting history as the first Indian wicketkeeper to score centuries in both innings of a Test. However, the England bowlers continued to fight back. With three wickets each, Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue were the most impressive, followed by Shoaib Bashir with two and Stokes with one. Woakes was economical, giving up just 45 runs in 19 overs while picking up one wicket. England had a target of 371 after India was bowled out for 364 runs. India was stopped from winning the game by England’s timely breakthroughs and constant pressure.
- England 2nd Innings (Target of 371)-
England’s incredible chase at Headingley, one of their best in Test history, was the game’s high point. After putting in a strong opening stand with Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett took the lead with an incredible 149. Joe Root and Jamie Smith maintained composure to lead England to a historic five-wicket victory in the last session of the match. Shoaib Bashir was deservedly named Player of the Match for his all-round performance. India’s bowlers faltered when it mattered most, failing to defend 371. Bumrah and the pacers lacked their earlier sharpness, Jadeja couldn’t trouble on a flat pitch, and dropped catches added to India’s woes in a forgettable finish.
Duckett Shines as England Completes Historic Chase: England needed 371 in the fourth innings, a goal that has rarely been completed in Test history. The Headingley crowd was on its feet as Ben Duckett’s remarkable 149 anchored the chase. He was supported by Zak Crawley’s 65 and Joe Root’s steady 53. In the final session, Jamie Smith and Root guided England home, clinching a five-wicket win.
Key Moments & Turning Points
- Shubman Gill’s Captaincy Debut:
India entered a new era with Shubman Gill leading for the first time in Tests after Rohit Sharma’s retirement. Gill’s personal milestone of surpassing 2,000 Test runs was only overshadowed by the match’s drama.
- Indian Batting Brilliance:
India’s batsmen made history with five centuries in a single Test, a first for the team and remarkably, for a losing side. KL Rahul’s gritty 137 and Rishabh Pant’s twin centuries, making him the first Indian wicketkeeper to achieve this, were standout performances.
- England’s Gritty Response:
Ollie Pope’s 106 in the first innings kept England neck-and-neck. During the chase, Duckett and Crawley’s 188-run opening stand broke the back of the target, while Root and Smith’s calm under pressure sealed the deal.
- Bumrah’s Fire Bowling:
Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul in the first innings tied Kapil Dev’s record for five-wicket innings abroad, solidifying his status as Asia’s most dangerous pacer in SENA countries.
- Missed Chances and Lower-Order Collapse:
Despite their excellent batting efforts, India’s lower order collapsed and crucial missed chances in the field hurt them. England took full advantage of that, proving why Test cricket remains the ultimate test of skill and nerve.
Records & Milestones
- India became the first team in Test history to lose a match despite scoring five centuries..
- Rishabh Pant: First Indian wicketkeeper with centuries in both innings of a Test and now the top Asian wicketkeeper in SENA countries.
- Jasprit Bumrah: Most Test wickets in SENA countries by an Asian bowler.
- Ben Duckett: Career-best 149 in a fourth-innings chase.
- Joe Root: Tied Rahul Dravid’s record for most catches (210) by a fielder in Test history.
- Ben Stokes: Third England captain with 50 Test wickets.
What This Means for the Series
This win gives England a 1-0 lead in this series, but the real winner is Test cricket itself. The remaining four matches at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford and The Oval promise even more exciting contests as both teams display depth, resiliency, and style.
India’s Takeaways
- Their batting strength is clear, but the lower order and fielding need urgent focus.
- Shubman Gill showed promise in his leadership, but he’ll need to rally his bowlers and plan better under pressure.
England’s Momentum
- The partnership between Duckett and Crawley was a huge help in the first test. Ben Stokes continued to be an excellent leader overall.
- Jofra Archer’s expected return for the next Test could add even more strength.
Conclusion
The Headingley Test showcased batting skill, tactical captaincy, and dramatic momentum shifts. A highly competitive summer of cricket between two of the top Test cricket teams was set up by England’s victorious chase, which gave them a 1-0 lead in the series.
“One of the best Test matches in years! Duckett was sensational, but Pant’s twin tons deserved a win.“ Test cricket is alive and kicking—what a chase at Headingley!
What’s Next?
The action now moves to Edgbaston for the 2nd Test from July 2 to 6, 2025. With
both teams eager for victory and the World Test Championship points on the
line, expect more twists and unforgettable moments.