England wins 1st Test match against India 2025: On an unforgettable final day at Headingley on June 24, 2025, England achieved a sensational five-wicket victory over India, scoring 371 runs, the second-highest fourth-innings comeback in English Test history.
The victory also marked the first time a team had lost despite five centuries. The result gave England a 1-0 lead, and the series was played at Edgbaston.
Ben Duckett’s score turned the tide
England’s comeback was led by opener Ben Duckett, whose exceptional fourth-innings 149 not only secured the comeback but also marked the highest individual score in a successful fourth-innings comeback against India. Duckett and Zak Crawley scored an impressive first-innings total of 188 runs, England’s second-best opening pairing in a fourth-innings match against India, giving England a comfortable lead.
Compassion in the Midfield: Root and Smith Seal the Victory
After Duckett and Crawley were dismissed for 65 runs, England’s lower midfield picked up the pace. Joe Root remained unbeaten after 53 runs, putting in a calm and tactical performance, while Jamie Smith remained unbeaten with an impressive 44 runs not out and scored all six winning points. This duo enabled England to effectively handle the final pressure.
India’s Final-Day Efforts and Controversies
Despite India’s dominance in both innings (471 and 364 runs), their bowlers, led by Jasprit Bumrah, failed to make a significant impact on the fifth day. Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur scored timely strikes (two wickets each), with Thakur dismissing Duckett and Brook in quick succession, briefly giving India hope.
However, poor fielding cost India crucial chances, including dropped catches from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant.
England wins 1st Test match against India 2025: Weather Fluctuations and Drama
Day five was a rollercoaster ride. England’s dominant start to the match was briefly interrupted by showers and an early tea break.
The rain increased the tension, with India hoping for a draw. But with the return of Duckett and Crawley, England’s comeback gained unstoppable momentum, despite the renewed pressure of the rains.
Significance and Prospects
- A historic feat: England’s 371-run comeback is now the second-highest in the country after the legendary 2019 Ashes run.
- Series lead: England leads 1-0 in the five-match Anderson Tendulkar Trophy, with their eyes on Edgbaston. • India’s weaknesses: Despite several centuries, India’s defensive and offensive play has faltered. Doubts persist about the strategic decisions and leadership of Gill, who suffered a defeat on his debut as captain.
England wins 1st Test match against India 2025: Final thoughts
Day five at Headingley was much more than just a day’s play; it was a true Test match spectacle, full of solid alliances, palpable controversies, and tense twists and turns. For England, it was a clear victory, not just tactically but also mentally. For India, it was an important lesson: runs alone don’t win Test matches, but rather execution on the field and determined leadership.
As the series progresses, this match will be remembered as a classic, proof that in Test matches, even four centuries aren’t enough if a team’s execution is poor. England’s dramatic comeback epitomizes the timeless appeal of Test matches: their performance on day five will be remembered for years.
