Duckett century steers England to stunning win over India

DARREN STAPLES / AFP

England registered a sensational five-wicket win in the first test against India after a thrilling day five on Tuesday, with the hosts reaching a target of 371 - the 10th highest successful run chase in test history.

Having turned the match on its head at Headingley after India had been 430-3 in their first innings, England appeared to be cruising to a dramatic win as openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley eased their side to lunch on 117-0 in their second innings.

Duckett (149) continued his imperious form with another four through the covers to reach his sixth test hundred, before Crawley fell for 65, their 188-run partnership the second highest England opening fourth-innings stand in tests.

Two wickets in two balls -- Duckett and Harry Brook -- dragged India back into the enthralling contest and when Ben Stokes fell for 33 attempting an ambitious reverse sweep, England's hopes of victory lay precariously in the balance.

Joe Root's unbeaten 53 calmed the nerves around his home ground, with the former skipper and Jamie Smith, who hit a six to seal victory, seeing England home as India, having scored five centuries in the match, somehow contrived to start the five-test series in defeat.

More from Sports News

News

  • Summer flexible work hours announced for Dubai government staff

    Dubai government employees will once again benefit from flexible working arrangements this summer, as the 2026 edition of the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative comes into effect from June 29 to September 10.

  • UAE President receives US Secretary of State

    UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who visited the UAE as part of a wider Middle East tour.

  • UAE launches nationwide anti-drugs campaign

    The UAE's National Drugs Enforcement Authority, in collaboration with the UAE Government Media Office, launched a nationwide anti-drugs awareness campaign on Wednesday, aimed at protecting communities from the dangers of drug abuse and strengthening prevention efforts across the UAE.