NEW DELHI: England produced a brilliantly paced run chase to gun down a massive 371-run target and defeat India by five wickets in the series-opening Headingley Test on Tuesday — with 14 overs to spare. The hosts pulled off the 10th highest successful run chase in Test history with clinical execution and unwavering confidence, even on a fifth-day pitch that initially seemed to favour India’s bowlers, particularly in the morning and afternoon sessions.A commanding 188-run opening stand between Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley laid the foundation, wiping out more than half of the required runs. The final flourish came in style, as Jamie Smith sealed the win with a towering knee-down six over long-on.Reflecting on the performance, England captain Ben Stokes credited his side’s relentless intensity and the crucial role of the bowlers in cleaning up India’s lower order.“It was all about our attitude and commitment, day in and day out. That’s what we focussed on. Both teams played quality cricket — a great way to start the series,” Stokes said at the post-match press conference.“It was a very good wicket for batting. The way we knocked over the Indian tail was a big reason why we were able to chase down this score,” he added.After a wicketless morning session, it was Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur who unexpectedly provided India with breakthroughs in the afternoon. When Ravindra Jadeja dismissed Stokes after tea with 69 runs still needed, the tension briefly returned.However, Joe Root (53*) and Jamie Smith (44*) calmly guided England home, not allowing India even a glimmer of hope in the final stretch.With the win, England take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series. The second Test will be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham, starting July 2.“We’re 1-0 up, but there are four more games. We’ll celebrate and then quickly shift focus to Birmingham,” Stokes said.
The chase began under overcast skies with England resuming on 21/0, still needing 350 runs — a daunting task by any measure. But England once again proved their chasing prowess under the guidance of coach Brendon ‘Baz’ McCullum, notching their 12th successful pursuit in 18 attempts during his tenure.This wasn’t the usual high-risk “Bazball” spectacle — it was a more measured and mature version of it. With a required run rate just under four per over, England managed the tempo smartly and stayed within that rate throughout.The contest also etched itself into the history books as only the third Test ever where all four innings crossed the 350-run mark. India posted 471 and 364, while England responded with 465 and 373/5 — a thrilling five-day battle that entertained from start to finish.
