Crawley-Duckett onslaught powers England’s 371 chase as Duckett smashes gritty century against India

England were faced with a daunting challenge at Headingley — chasing 371 runs in the fourth and final innings of a Test match, a task that has historically proven difficult for even the best sides. No matter the strategy or intent, chasing a target of over 350 in the final innings remains one of the toughest tests in cricket.

However, openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett stunningly rose to the occasion, laying a rock-solid foundation for England’s pursuit. The duo stitched together a commanding 188-run partnership for the opening wicket, effectively dismantling India’s early hopes of defending the total.

With the pitch still offering some assistance to bowlers and India’s attack led by the ever-dangerous Jasprit Bumrah, the pressure was immense. Yet Crawley and Duckett counterattacked with calculated aggression, mixing caution with flair.

Duckett, in particular, was in imperious touch, reaching a sublime century that highlighted his composure and ability to handle high-pressure situations. Crawley, too, played his part with fluency and poise, frustrating the Indian bowlers with a string of boundaries and sharp running between the wickets.

Their partnership not only broke the back of the chase but also sent a strong signal to the Indian side — that England were not going to retreat. By the end of their stand, the momentum had decisively shifted in England’s favor.

This opening salvo has not just set the tone for one of England’s most memorable fourth-innings chases but also underscored the growing maturity and confidence of their top-order batters under pressure.

Duckett’s Day Indeed: Ben Duckett showcased his class and resilience by scoring a remarkable century against India, standing tall against the formidable Jasprit Bumrah-led bowling attack. In a match where the Indian pacers were breathing fire, Duckett demonstrated exceptional technique and fearless strokeplay to reach triple figures, silencing critics and reaffirming his place in the England Test squad.

Facing Bumrah—known for his lethal pace, reverse swing, and toe-crushing yorkers—Duckett remained composed, playing each delivery on merit. He was particularly effective with his counterattacking approach, refusing to let the bowlers dominate. His innings was laced with crisp drives, controlled pulls, and confident footwork against both pace and spin.

Duckett’s century not only steadied England’s innings but also sent a strong message about his ability to handle pressure and high-quality bowling. By surviving Bumrah's most aggressive spells and capitalising on scoring opportunities, he turned the tide in England’s favor.

This knock could be a defining moment in Duckett’s career, underlining his growth and mental toughness on subcontinental pitches. It also adds depth to England's top order, which has struggled for consistency in recent away tours. For now, Duckett's gritty century is being hailed as one of his finest—and a major highlight of the series.

Duckett had to finally depart for 149 as he was caught by Nitish Reddy's left at short extra cover.