Leeds, June 24, 2025:
In one of the most dramatic finishes in Test cricket, England achieved the 10th‑highest successful chase in Test history, securing victory by five wickets over India at Headingley. The hosts reached their target of 371 in the final session, with powerhouse innings from Ben Duckett (149) and a solid Zak Crawley (65).
What Went Wrong for India:
1. Collapsing Tail Twice After a dominant first innings of 471 (Jaiswal, Gill, Pant all scored centuries), India stumbled dramatically:
- Lost 7 wickets for 41 runs in their first innings
- In the second innings, folded from strength: lost final 6 wickets for just 31 runs, ending at 364.
2. Dropped Chances:
India dropped six key catches, including four by Jaiswal most notably when Duckett was on 97 letting England’s momentum grow .
3. One-Man Bowling Show:
Jasprit Bumrah was the lone standout with a five‑wicket haul in the first innings. The rest of the attack, including Shardul, Prasidh, and Jadeja, failed to maintain pressure, especially in the fourth-innings chase.
4. England’s ‘Bazball with Brains’:
England balanced fearless intent with situational awareness dubbed “Bazball with brains” with a magnificent 188-run opening stand setting the foundation.
5. Tactical and Captaincy Lapses:
Under Shubman Gill’s leadership, India were slow in field changes and bowler rotations, lacking aggression when England intensified.
Match Snapshot
| Innings | Score |
|---|---|
| India 1st | 471 (Jaiswal 101, Gill 147, Pant 134) |
| England 1st | 465 (Pope 106; Bumrah 5‑83) |
| India 2nd | 364 (late collapse) |
| England 2nd (chase) | 371/5 – Duckett 149, Crawley 65, Root 53* won by 5 wickets |
Also Read: Benfica Beat Bayern Munich At Club World Cup, Tops Group C!
Can India Bounce Back in Test 2 at Edgbaston?
Yes ,but they must address key issues:
- Fielding Overhaul: India will emphasise high-intensity drills, especially catching sessions. Jaiswal’s earlier dropped chances highlight the need for heightened alertness.
- Reinforce the Lower Order : The team management may add depth with experienced all-rounders like Nitish Kumar Reddy to avoid similar tail collapses.
- Strengthen the Bowling Unit: Consider rotating in Arshdeep Singh or Akash Deep for more consistent seam support, managing Bumrah’s workload more carefully.
- Tactical Captaincy: Shubman Gill must actively rotate bowlers, set attacking fields early, and respond faster to game shifts.
- Mental Reset & Aggressive Mindset: The coaching unit will refocus the squad on process over outcome, boosting morale and sharpening intensity.
Next Test Details:
Second Test: Scheduled to begin July 2nd at Edgbaston, Birmingham
With potential for swing-friendly conditions, seamers could reclaim influence if India execute their plan smartly and aggressively.
India still hold the talent and depth to fight back. But recovery hinges on dramatic improvement in fielding, lower-order resilience, and tactical bowling execution. If they reset successfully, the Edgbaston Test offers a perfect platform to level the series.
