Ben Stokes led England to a five-wicket victory over Shubman Gill’s India on Day 5 of the first Test at Headingley in Leeds on Tuesday, June 24. They won consecutively against India when chasing a goal of 370+ at home, and this was their second chase of 350+ at the site.
Ben Duckett led the chase, scoring 149 runs from 170 balls, including one six and 21 boundaries. For the opening stand, the southpaw and Zak Crawley (65) put on a 188-run partnership. England reached the mark in 82 overs thanks to later undefeated scores of 53 (44) and 44 (55), respectively, from Joe Root and Jamie Smith. To get his team across the finish line, Smith in particular blasted the game-winning six against Ravindra Jadeja.
Ben Stokes and his team were praised by X fans for their outstanding batting performance in the fourth innings. A user wrote:
“It was expected, U can’t win a test match in any conditions when you have only one specialist bowler in ur team. Well played England.”
Another user commented:
“The mindset of England is crystal clear. They were always going for the win and the belief was there.”
A third user added:
“One thing to say here. England plays exceptional cricket.”
Here are a few more reactions:
Wow. Again, test cricket wins! What a performance by England
— Steven Finn (@finnysteve) June 24, 2025ENGLAND WIN!!!
"What A Chase That Was From England As They Chased 371 Runs With 350 Runs Chased In Day 5. A Six From Jamie Smith To Finish the game
Well Played England ❤️🏴
— Muhammad Umar Bilal (@omerr_here) June 24, 2025Unbelievable win England 🏏
— Matt Robinson (@MattRob999) June 24, 2025Ben Stokes lauds Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley after England’s win over India in 1st Test
As England chased down 371 against India to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, captain Ben Stokes praised openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley for their outstanding partnership. Josh Tongue, who took seven wickets during the match, was also given recognition by the all-rounder. According to ESPNcricinfo, he stated:
“Duckett unbelievable, opening the batting and chasing is tough. His stand with Crawley, getting that set us up brilliantly. The way Zak was able to stay composed and get 60 was important as well. They complement each other nicely. Chasing down totals gives you confidence but it’s not dead-set that’s how it goes. It’s been a great start to the series.”
Ben Stokes
“Tongue’s spells were game-changing.”
Ben Stokes
The 34-year-old further backed his decision to bowl first in the contest:
“You don’t know what’ll happen before a ball’s bowled, you take the choice that you think is best. We thought of what’ll give us the best chance to win while deciding to bowl. Didn’t think I should’ve made a different call at any time.”
Ben Stokes
The second Test between India and England will begin on July 2 at Birmingham’s Edgbaston stadium.
