Ben Duckett’s outstanding century in the Leeds Test against India played a pivotal role in England’s successful chase of 371 runs in the fourth innings. Following this match-winning knock, former England captain Michael Vaughan hailed Duckett as the best all-format cricketer in the world right now. Duckett has impressed with his consistent performances across formats, boasting averages of 43.68 in Tests, 49 in ODIs, and 29.28 in T20Is. His ability to adapt and perform in different conditions has made him a key asset for England in recent years.

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra also acknowledged Duckett’s versatility as a batter, praising his performances across all three formats. However, Chopra pointed out that Duckett is yet to prove himself in challenging overseas conditions like Australia and has had limited exposure in South Africa. Despite scoring a century during England’s 2024 Test tour of India, Chopra felt his overall impact in Indian conditions wasn’t particularly convincing, suggesting there's still room for him to grow.

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"I agree, among the current players, who are playing all three formats, he stands out. If you look at his stats over the last two years, he has been quite outstanding in all three formats. But there is a caveat. He hasn't gone to Australia to play Test cricket. He has just played three innings in South Africa. His performance was quite limited in India," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

Travis Head has a knack for standing up in big matches: Akash Chopra

Instead, Aakash Chopra highlighted Travis Head as a more deserving candidate for the title of the best all-format player in recent years. He pointed out that Head has consistently delivered exceptional performances, particularly in high-pressure situations such as the World Test Championship (WTC) final and the ODI World Cup final in 2023. According to Chopra, these match-winning efforts in crucial games give Head the edge over other contenders, as he has proven his ability to perform when it matters most, showcasing both resilience and adaptability across different formats.

"Maybe Pakistan is good, but in other places, his performances haven't been that great. It is not a straightforward, done-and-dusted story. He has been good in all formats in the last two years. You need to look at Travis Head, he has also had a smashing last couple of years. He has a knack for standing up in big matches. Look at the 2023 WTC final and the 2023 ODI World Cup final. If you do man-to-man marking, the stats of both are the same. In my opinion, Travis Head is ahead of him slightly," he added.

Ravindra Jadeja has slipped out of the top 10 in the latest ICC Test bowler rankings following a quiet outing in the Leeds Test against England. His performance — just one wicket for 172 runs across 27 overs  didn’t help India’s cause as the visitors fell to a five-wicket defeat on Day 5. For someone expected to lead the spin attack, especially in English conditions with no other frontline spinner in the XI, the numbers were underwhelming.

Prior to the rankings update on June 25, Jadeja held the No.10 spot among Test bowlers. However, the lack of impact in Leeds saw him drop three places to 13th. While that’s a setback, the left-arm all-rounder continues to hold onto the No.1 position in the Test all-rounder rankings  a title he’s retained through consistent performances over time. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah remains India’s bowling spearhead, climbing higher thanks to his first-innings five-wicket haul.

The game at Headingley highlighted not just England’s smart batting but also India’s missed opportunities with the ball  and Jadeja’s lack of penetration was a major talking point. On a Day 5 pitch that was offering rough patches tailor-made for a left-arm spinner, Jadeja struggled to extract bite or control, leading to criticism from former cricketers and analysts alike.
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Missed Opportunity in Leeds as Jadeja Fails to Capitalise on Conditions

Former India cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar didn’t hold back in his assessment of Jadeja’s effort. He pointed out that while the pitch wasn’t classic English seamer-friendly territory, it did offer something for the spinner especially the rough areas outside the right-hander’s off stump. Jadeja, according to Manjrekar, failed to target that consistently, particularly against Ben Duckett, who batted freely through the final session.

Manjrekar noted that Jadeja did eventually make some adjustments against Ben Stokes but felt it came too late. In high-pressure games and on final-day pitches, experience is expected to shine  and that, many felt, was missing. With the second Test starting July 2 in Birmingham, all eyes will be on how Jadeja responds to the criticism and whether he can bounce back with a performance more worthy of his reputation.

Ben Duckett crushed the dreams of countless Indian cricket fans. His match-turning 149-run innings came at the right time and pushed the throttle when the match was about to come into England's grip. With some help from fortune, Duckett escaped multiple times from danger.

That's all part of the game, and the result at the end is the ultimate verdict of a competition. Ben Duckett is undoubtedly the hero for England in the Headingley Test against India. In both of the innings he frustrated the Indian bowlers with his patience and shot-making. David Lloyd was impressed by the 30-year-old opener.

In a statement, the former cricketer said, "Ben Duckett has come a long way since he poured a drink over Jimmy Anderson on an Ashes tour. He is now England’s answer to Virender Sehwag and opening the batting in your World XI. The reverse sweep is such a natural shot for him. He plays it for fun. It’s no surprise to learn he was a good hockey player at school because it’s like a hockey shot."

Read More: WATCH: Akeal Hosein delivers ball of the tournament in MLC 2025 against LAS

Duckett was at the centre of that 'drink pour' incident

Even almost a year ago, Duckett was making the headlines because of the incident with James Anderson. With the 'Duckett poured drink over Anderson' headline, ESPNcricinfo reported in 2017, "Duckett, who has played four Tests for England and is in Australia with the Lions, was due to play for an England XI in their warm-up match over the weekend. But, after details emerged of an incident on Thursday night, he was dropped from the side to play the Cricket Australia XI. His place was taken by Worcestershire's Joe Clarke." 

It was believed that Duckett, then an emerging cricketer, poured a drink on the vice-captain, who was James Anderson, on the tour. Later, Ben himself claimed that Anderson himself encouraged him to do that. 

The 5th day of the 1st Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025 at Headingley, Leeds, reached an incredible climax as England chased down their target of 371 runs with five wickets to spare. Ben Duckett's 149 and Joe Root's 53* led England to victory and a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series. After Indian bowlers, namely Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur, upended England with the odd wicket, England's batting depth and composure were ultimately the difference on the final day.

England 2nd Innings: 373/5 (82 Overs)

England resumed Day 5 at 21/0, chasing 371 for victory on a pitch that still had some assistance for the bowlers. Openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley began cautiously but gradually found rhythm, frustrating the Indian bowlers with a fluent 188-run opening stand off 256 balls. Crawley was the first to fall for a well-made 65 (126), caught behind off Prasidh Krishna, who soon struck again to remove Ollie Pope for 8, reducing England to 209/2. Duckett, however, remained unshaken. His dazzling 149 out of 170 deliveries, adorned with 21 fours and one six, show great control and footwork. especially against Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja. His innings laid the foundation for England’s chase. But Shardul Thakur took the match briefly into his hand, sending Duckett and Harry Brook (0) in the same over, changing the gears as England struggled to 299/4. Joe Root then anchored the innings with his signature calm, stitching a 53-run stand with Ben Stokes (33 off 51). After Stokes fell to Jadeja, Jamie Smith joined Root and added an unbeaten 44 off 55 balls. Root remained not out on 53 off 84, guiding England to a memorable win in exactly 82 overs—securing one of the most iconic run chases in their Test history.

ENG vs IND, 1st Test Day 5: Key Moments

• Duckett's Heroics: Ben Duckett's 149 led the chase with amazing control. He dealt with India's pace attack, including Bumrah, comfortably. 
  
• India's Fightback: Prasidh Krishna and Thakur removed four wickets in the middle session, briefly bringing hopes for a revival.
  
• Root Seals the Deal: Joe Root stood unbeaten and steadied the final part of the pursuit, despite India's collapse in the third session not denting England's chase.

See Also: [WATCH] ENG vs IND 1st Test: Mohammad Siraj and Zak Crawley heated exchange at Headingley

ENG vs IND, 1st Test Day 5 Scorecard

England 2nd Innings – 373/5 (82 Overs)

Shardul Thakur roared at the right time when his team needed him the most. Back-to-back wickets, a chance created to make it a hat trick. The all-rounder in two deliveries got the wickets of centurion Ben Duckett and Harry Brook.

With the couple of strikes, the momentum of the match suddenly changed, and India finally got some much-required oxygen to survive. India set a target of 371, which initially looked unachievable, especially when the matter needed to be settled on the very last day of the match. But it was England with their famous Bazball in their own backyard.

Josh Tounge already said after Day 4 that they would only go for a win. The opening pair of England got the team the required boost to chase down such a big total. Zak Crawley (65) and Duckett, together, snatched an 188-run partnership. Duckett was looking unstoppable, and the situation could get worse for India if the partnership of Duckett and Harry Brook got a successful launch. Shardul Thakur helped India to skip the difficulty.

Read More: 'India need a player like Ben Stokes'— Cheteshwar Pujara opens up on the missing link in the Test squad

Thakur made the day more interesting 

Thakur, with his reflexes, made it possible to dismiss a well-steeled Duckett through a caught and bowled, and the batter was then on 149 with 21 boundaries and one 6. On the other side, Brook, who got a 99, this time ran out of fortune and lost his wicket on the very first ball he faced. Thakur outclassed Brook; Rishabh Pant, behind the stumps, took the catch. 

England suffered two scalps in two deliveries, and India is back on track to keep the game alive. 

Lord Shardul Thakur🔥🔥🙌🏻

#INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/Qu3SKJSLgp

— Sarcasm (@sarcastic_us) June 24, 2025

So masterminds Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill chose clowns like Shardul Thakur and Karun Nair over match performers like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Anshul Kamboj.

What a clown ICT management we have🤡#INDvsENG #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/atkkiTF4Ft

— Bruce Wayne (@_Bruce__007) June 23, 2025

Lord shardul thakur kya lucky aadmi hai 😭🔥 #INDvsENG pic.twitter.com/4oVrxBmQ5L

— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) June 24, 2025

Only Shardul Thakur taking a wicket off an absolute trash ball can save India in this match 🙏 pic.twitter.com/tgxJoa2MQj

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) June 24, 2025

Lord Shardul Thakur who did nothing in the match, came on the last day and took 2 wickets in 2 balls pic.twitter.com/0uF2eSVopn

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) June 24, 2025

It was the kind of moment that makes players and fans groan in unison. Just three runs away from his hundred, Ben Duckett got a life dropped in the slips by Yashasvi Jaiswal off Mohammed Siraj’s bowling. On a tense Day 5 at Headingley, with India hunting for a breakthrough, it felt like a big moment slipping through their fingers.

Duckett had been batting beautifully, timing everything and looking in complete control. Then came the edge sharp, quick, but catchable. Jaiswal, standing at second slip, got there in time but couldn’t hold on. Siraj, who had been steaming in and giving it everything, couldn’t hide his disappointment.

In matches this tight, those small moments matter. One drop, and suddenly the pressure shifts. Duckett made the most of it, and India had to work even harder for that next wicket. For Jaiswal, it’s the kind of miss that stays with you not because it was easy, but because it came at such a big moment. That’s Test cricket for you: unforgiving and full of fine margins.

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Twitter Reacts as Yashasvi Jaiswal Drops Ben Duckett on 97 – Fans Divided

Heartbreaking moment 💔
Ben Duckett was on 99 when Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped a catch off Mohammed Siraj’s delivery.
Missed a golden chance to stop the century
I can't believe what is happening pic.twitter.com/iBqcTI2iyb

— Jitendra (@hardikJitendra1) June 24, 2025

Yashasvi Jaiswal drops Ben Duckett on 97.

Yet again it's him dropping catches for India☹️#ENGvsIND #YashasviJaiswal pic.twitter.com/hNzAQB0ymH

— Anis Sajan (@mrcricketuae) June 24, 2025

Jaiswal has let India down and on the verge of loss vs England single handedly.

Man has now dropped 4-5 catches alone.

Ben Duckett scored 100 and now he is on 126, all thanks to Jaiswal. #ENGvsIND https://t.co/6UUv0gqrFs

— Abhishek Nath (@Abhishe7301576) June 24, 2025

Jaiswal puts down Duckett and Siraj isn’t happy at all. 😬💔

A big miss at a crucial moment in the chase! 🫣#ENGvIND #ENGvsIND #Testcricket pic.twitter.com/dReRTEdkc8

— Cricket Winner (@cricketwinner_) June 24, 2025

Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped Ben Duckett on 97 off Mohammed Siraj’s bowling, and Team India has to wait for their first breakthrough! 💔😢#ENGvIND #Tests #MohammedSiraj pic.twitter.com/KZcAZCx5um

— Root Jaiswal (@JaiswalRoot) June 24, 2025

ENG vs IND: Ben Duckett Opens Up About Facing Jasprit Bumrah

In the latest Test match between England and India, one moment really stood out: Jasprit Bumrah charging in with fire and focus, making life tough for the English batters. After the match, England opener Ben Duckett didn’t hold back in praising him. Speaking honestly, he described what it really feels like to face someone as sharp and unpredictable as Bumrah.

Duckett called him the best fast bowler in the world right now, and it wasn’t just a casual compliment. He explained how Bumrah mixes up his deliveries so well that batters hardly get a chance to settle. Whether it's a yorker, a bouncer, or a swinging delivery, you never know what's coming next. Duckett admitted that every ball from Bumrah feels like a new problem to solve.

One moment that stuck with him was a brutal over where Bumrah was at his absolute best. Duckett described it as “a hell of an over,” saying it pushed him to stay focused just to survive. It was one of those spells where you’re not even thinking about scoring — just getting through it feels like a win. That’s the kind of impact Bumrah has.

Duckett on why Bumrah is 'the best in the world' 💬 #ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/KzzPt4AkQI

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 22, 2025

See also: Jasprit Bumrah surpasses Wasim Akram to become the highest wicket-taker in SENA countries
Bumrah Is a Mind Game Too

Duckett also talked about the mental side of things. He said when you're facing someone like Bumrah, it’s not just about your technique — your mindset matters just as much. You can’t switch off, not even for a split second, because a small mistake can lead to your wicket.

Bumrah has you hanging on the edge of your seat all the time. It is his body language, his smooth run-up, and then the blast of speed — it all combines for unrelenting pressure. Duckett’s honest words go to show the high regard that international players have for Bumrah, and why he’s an indispensable part of India’s bowling lineup.

The first Test between India and England at Headingly is delicately poised. India commenced proceedings on day one on a thumping note. The day thoroughly belonged to the visitors as India piled on a monumental 358 at the expense of only three wickets. Then on day two, England managed to fight back by dismissing India right after lunch without taking further damage. Later, they followed it up with a defiant batting performance and got through to stumps with a score of 209/3. 

Two of India's prime batters, Shubman Gill and Rishab Pant, were instrumental in propelling India to a good position. The duo chruned out the bulk of the runs for India and helped them finish on 471 despite a late flurry of wickets towards the end. With runs under their belt, their body language on the field seemed very relaxed, even when England looked to turn on the heat. 

At the time when Duckett was facing Jadeja, both Gill and Pant got vocally involved in a bid to upset the well-set English batter. Duckett's first failed attempt at a switch hit proved futile. His failed attempt immediately attracted a hilarious response from Pant behind the stumps. He said, "Mein Bhi Khel Raha Hu Bhai....Apne Chauke Ke Chakar Mein Apna Chauka Mat De Dena". (I am also playing the game. In your quest for boundary-hitting, try not to drag me to the cleaners)

The following delivery was then defended by Duckett from his crease in a rather tentative manner. Upon seeing that, Gill, who was standing in the slip, got involved and conveyed to Jadeja vocally that he was totally confused. He said, "Abhi Ye Pura Confused Hai Jaddu Bhai... Kaun Se Sidh Aur Kaun Si Udha Ayega Iska".

See also: HUGE! India claim an embarrassing record in the Headingly Test

Watch the video:

.@RishabhPant17 + @ShubmanGill = Absolute cinema! ✨

These two don’t play the game, they put on a show! 🍿#ENGvIND 👉 1st TEST, Day 3 | SUN, 22nd JUNE, 2:30 PM Streaming On JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/ZQHkO5QGjv

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 21, 2025

Duckett and Pope helped England weather the storm after a tricky start. The duo amassed a staggering 122-run stand to turn the tables on India. However, after a bit of a fight back from the Indian bowlers, Duckett was cleaned up by Jasprit Bumrah right after getting to his fifty. Moving into day three, England have a deficit of 262 runs ahead of them with seven wickets left in the bank.

England have announced their playing XI for the first Test against India, which begins on Friday, June 20, at Headingley in Leeds. This marks the start of a five-match series that kicks off the new World Test Championship cycle (2025–27) and also the first-ever edition of the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy.

There’s good news for England fans as experienced all-rounder Chris Woakes returns to the Test team after missing out since December. Brydon Carse, the fast bowler from Durham, is also in the XI and will play his first home Test after earlier appearances in Pakistan and New Zealand.

One of the biggest talking points is the selection of Ollie Pope at No. 3. There was strong competition from young Jacob Bethell, who had done well in New Zealand and recently impressed in the white-ball series against West Indies. But Pope kept his place, especially after scoring 171 in the Zimbabwe Test a match Bethell skipped to play in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. While Pope's numbers against India and in Ashes games haven’t been great, England captain Ben Stokes backed him completely and said there was no favouritism involved.

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England made two changes from the side that beat Zimbabwe Woakes replaces the injured Gus Atkinson, and Carse comes in for Sam Cook. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith keeps his spot and will be key in the middle order.

England announces playing XI for the first Test against Team India!#INDvsENG #ENGvsIND #TeamIndia #England #AndersonTendulkarTrophy #BenStokes pic.twitter.com/AQJThQMsxt

— XtraTime (@xtratimeindia) June 18, 2025

With Ben Stokes leading a strong team, England will be aiming to get off to a solid start. India, under new captain Shubman Gill, are also eyeing history they haven’t won a Test series in England for 18 years. Both sides are going through changes, which makes this match a perfect stage for new heroes to rise. One big name missing from England’s XI is RCB’s rising star Jacob Bethell, who’ll have to wait a little longer for his Test debut.

England openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett produced a strong start in the new home season, as they recorded a 200+ partnership for the first wicket on the opening day of the only Test against Zimbabwe at Nottingham. 

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett recorded a 231-run opening partnership

Finally, we have come to the historic day when England and Zimbabwe have been facing each other in a Test match for the first time since May 2003. After Zimbabwe chose to field first, English openers provided a solid start for the hosts with a 231-run partnership for the first wicket. Both the English opening batters, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, scored centuries in that innings.

English openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett fired up with a 231-run partnership for the first wicket in 41.3 overs. Duckett recorded a 100-ball century and scored 140 off 134 balls (20 fours and two sixes) before Wessly Madhevere took his wicket, while Crawley later completed his century in 145 balls with the help of 12 fours. 

The 231-run opening partnership was very special for England. In the following, we are going through some key records of the special partnership. 

• It was the third-highest Test opening partnership for England at home. The top two records are 290 runs between Colin Cowdrey and Geoff Pullar (vs South Africa at The Oval in 1960) and 268 runs between Jack Hobbs and Herbert Sutcliffe (vs South Africa at Lord's in 1924).
• It was England's first 150+ partnership for any wicket in a Test innings against Zimbabwe. 
• It was also the fourth-highest Test opening partnership for any team against Zimbabwe. 

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Both English openers scored centuries

While both the English openers recorded centuries, it was the first time since the 1991 home season when both the English openers recorded centuries in the same innings of a home Test. Last time, it happened during the 1990 Manchester Test against India. Meanwhile, both England's opening batters scored centuries in the same Test innings previously during the 2022 Rawalpindi Test. It was the 15th time when both the English openers scored centuries in the same Test innings.