India vs England 1st Test at Headingley, Leeds Match Report: England pulled off one of their greatest Test wins under the Stokes-McCullum era, chasing down 371 on the final day at Headingley to defeat India by five wickets and go 1-0 up in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. This chase is now England’s second-highest successful run chase in Test history and the second-highest ever against India.
It also ranks as the second-biggest successful chase on the final scheduled day of a Test, behind Australia’s 404 at the same venue in 1948.
Tailenders - Problem For India
The foundation was laid by a stunning 188-run opening stand between Ben Duckett (149 off 170) and Zak Crawley (65). Despite a brief wobble triggered by Shardul Thakur’s double strike, England stayed composed. Joe Root, calm on home turf, scored an unbeaten 53 while debutant Jamie Smith sealed the deal with a slog-swept six to remain 44 not out. Their unbroken 71-run stand carried England to victory with ease.
Earlier, India had multiple chances to shut the door. They posted 471 in the first innings with hundreds from Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, but collapsed from 430/3 to 471 all out. England replied with 465, aided by Pope’s hundred and Brook’s 99. India had them at 276/5 but allowed the last five wickets to add 189.
KL Rahul (137) and Pant (118) added 195 in the second innings, but India once again collapsed—this time from 333/4 to 364 all out. England’s chase made Headingley the only venue to witness three successful chases of 350+, and this was just the third Test in history where all four innings featured 350+ scores.
Poor Fielding
India’s poor fielding and lapses proved costly--total of six catches got dropped. England’s belief never wavered. Yashasvi Jaiswal alone dropped four catches. A famous chase, and a perfect start to what promises to be a classic series.
What The Captains Said
Shubman Gill, the India captain, admitted that the lower-order batting collapse in both innings did cost the visitors dearly. The 25-year-old, however, defended his side saying it is a “young team”.
“It was a brilliant Test match. We had our chances, we dropped catches and our lower-order didn't contribute enough, but proud of the team and overall a good effort.
“Unfortunately, we didn't score runs at the end, which always makes it difficult. (It) just didn't go our way in this match.” “That (lower-order contribution) was something we spoke about. (But) it (collapses) happened so quickly. (It) could be one of those things we have to rectify in the upcoming matches,” he said. “Definitely, chances don't come easy on wickets like these. It's a young team, (a) learning one and hopefully we will be able to improve on those aspects."
England captain Ben Stokes praised India for an impressive start to the match, especially on the first day, while also lauding their openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley.
“The opposition is allowed to play well, thought they played very well in that first session,” the 34-year-old said. "The pressure of a fourth innings and going out there is tough, especially in England. That partnership between Zak (Crawley) and Ben (Duckett) was incredible to get us going. To get that down to set us off in a run chase was incredible."
What Next
Now dubbed the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, the five-match series between the touring Indian and English teams will resume with the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on July 2, 2025.
Also part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, the series will see matches at Lord's, London (from July 10), Old Trafford, Manchester (from July 23), and the Oval, London (from July 31).
