How Did England Achieve the Second-Highest Successful Run Chase Against India?

Leeds, June 24 (NationPress) Bazball continues to push the limits of Test cricket, and at Headingley, it made one of its most electrifying statements yet. England successfully chased down an imposing 371 runs on the final day, clinching an impressive five-wicket victory over India and taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

This remarkable feat marks England's second-highest successful run chase in Test history, as well as the second-highest against India.

The foundation of the chase was laid down by openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, who forged a partnership of 188 runs for the first wicket. Duckett was exceptional, scoring 149 runs off just 170 balls, balancing poise with strategic aggression.

Crawley contributed a fluent 65 before his dismissal, but the initial damage had been inflicted. Although Shardul Thakur briefly brought India back into contention by taking two wickets in quick succession—removing Duckett and Harry Brook—it was England's composed middle-order that kept the momentum intact.

Joe Root, playing in front of his home fans, remained unbeaten on 53, while debutant Jamie Smith showcased remarkable maturity with an unbeaten 44. Their unbroken 71-run partnership propelled England past the target, with Smith sealing the match in style by slog-sweeping Ravindra Jadeja for six.

India, despite having the upper hand at several crucial junctures, will lament their missed opportunities.

They had command of the match at various points but allowed England back into the game through collapses and careless fielding. After losing the toss, India scored a hefty 471 in the first innings, with impressive centuries from Shubman Gill (147), Rishabh Pant (134), and Yashasvi Jaiswal (101).

At 430/3 in their first innings, a total over 550 seemed within reach, but a staggering collapse of their last seven wickets for just 41 runs presented England with an opportunity they were quick to seize.

England responded with equal determination. Duckett (62), Ollie Pope (106), and Brook (99) kept them in contention. Brook, who was dropped multiple times, capitalized on his luck to ensure England remained competitive. India had England at 276/5 at one point, but the lower order struck back, adding 189 runs for the last five wickets. England finished just six runs short, resulting in a one-innings shootout.

In the second innings, KL Rahul's patient 137 and another stunning century from Rishabh Pant (118) provided India with a golden chance to bat England out of the match. The duo added 195 runs for the fifth wicket, and at 333/4, India appeared to be in control. However, they once again faltered, collapsing to 364 all out, losing six wickets for just 31 runs as England's seamers, particularly Josh Tongue and Stokes, took advantage of the second new ball. This ongoing inability to finish strong was a recurring issue for India throughout the match.

England's chase of 371 was historic for several reasons. It is now the second-highest successful chase on the final day of a Test match, only surpassed by Australia's 404 runs at the same venue in 1948. Additionally, Headingley has become the only ground worldwide to witness three successful fourth-innings chases exceeding 350 runs, underscoring its reputation for epic finishes.

Remarkably, this match also marked only the third occasion in Test history where all four innings featured scores of 350 or more.

However, India's fielding left much to be desired. Missed catches, misfields, and poor judgment on the field provided England with vital breathing space. Bumrah, the spearhead of the attack, went wicketless in the second innings, while Prasidh Krishna struggled throughout, recording an economy rate of 6.28 in the first innings—the worst by an Indian Test bowler with 20 or more overs bowled. Thakur delivered some inspired spells but lacked support from the other end.

Ultimately, it was Joe Root's composure and Jamie Smith's confidence that guided England to victory. The cheers at Headingley when Root achieved his 66th Test fifty—matching the number on his shirt—were only matched by the final roars when Smith struck the winning runs.

Brief scores:

India 471 and 364 lost to England 465 and 373/5 in 82 overs (Ben Duckett 149, Zak Crawley 65; Shardul Thakur 2-28, Prasidh Krishna 2-69) by five wickets.