148 years of misfortune: India lost the test match despite five centuries, England’s second biggest run chase completed
Headingley Test: A Historic Battle Ends in a Stunning India Defeat
England defeated India by 5 wickets in the first Test, chasing down 371 in the fourth innings—marking their second‑largest successful run chase in Test history. Despite this thrilling match, India scored five centuries, a feat never before matched in Test history by a losing side.
Records & Notable Facts
- England’s second‑highest run chase: Previously 378/3 vs India at Edgbaston in 2022; now 371/5 at Headingley, 2025.
- India becomes first team ever to score five centuries in a Test and still lose—a dubious record.
- 188‑run opening stand: Jack Crawley and Ben Duckett posted this partnership in the fourth innings—the highest against India in a fourth innings chase and the highest ever at Headingley in a fourth innings.
- Headingley sees century-plus opening stand in a fourth innings after 41 years—the last time was a 106‑run stand by Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge in 1984.
- Duckett’s 149 is now the highest individual score by an English opener against India in the fourth innings, surpassing Joe Root’s unbeaten 142* at Edgbaston 2022.
- Ashes connection: In the 1928–29 Ashes, Australia made four centuries but still lost the Melbourne Test—India has now followed the same path. Don Bradman made his maiden Test century (112) in that match.
Key Moments from Day Five
- Black armbands & silence: Both teams honored former Indian cricketer Dilip Doshi, who passed away on Monday, by wearing black armbands and observing a minute of silence.
- Bumrah’s missed catch: In the 29th over, Jasprit Bumrah dropped a catch that would have dismissed Jack Crawley (who was on 42)—a turning point in the contest.
- Jadeja’s moment of passion: After successfully appealing for a ball change in the 27th over, R. Jadeja celebrated with the on-field umpire, displaying Indian fighting spirit.
- Siraj’s confrontation: In the final ball of the 30th over, Mohammed Siraj clashed with Crawley—believing the English openers were wasting time before lunch.
- Yashasvi’s dropped catch: Yashasvi Jaiswal spilled another catch at 97—allowing Duckett to continue and build his innings.
- Shardul Thiakur strikes twice: In the 55th over, Thiakur dismissed Duckett and then Harry Brook in consecutive deliveries—Duckett caught by substitute Nitish Kumar Reddy, Brook by Rishabh Pant.
- Pant misses Stokes catch: In the 66th over, Pant dropped Ben Stokes off a reverse sweep but later made amends by catching Stokes out at short third man.
- Smith seals it: Jamie Smith smashed the winning six off Jadeja in the 82nd over, leading England to a dramatic 5‑wicket victory.
Quotable Highlights
- ESPNcricinfo: “India first team to lose a Test despite five centurions.”
- Reuters: “This was the first time in Test history that a team scored five centuries and still lost.”
- The Guardian: Described it as a “remarkable final‑day chase.”
- Hindustan Times: “Duckett, Crawley break 30‑year‑old feat,” emphasizing their 188-run opening stand.
Conclusion
The Test, concluding on June 24, 2025 at Headingley, was a spectacle of batting brilliance—from India’s quintet of centuries to England’s daring fourth‑innings chase. It was not just records, but dramatic moments: Siraj’s confrontation, dropped catches, Jadeja’s passion, and an electrifying finale. Though India lost, they made history, and England scripted one of their most memorable Test victories.
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