Ben Duckett produced a masterclass in modern Test batting at Headingley, smashing a rapid fourth-innings century that left fans and pundits in awe as England launched a fearless chase against India, embodying the aggressive ‘Bazball’ philosophy on Day 5 of the first Test.
Ben Duckett’s historic knock powers England’s chase
Chasing a formidable 371-run target set by India, Duckett was the driving force behind England’s charge. The left-handed opener reached his sixth Test century—and his first in the fourth innings—off just 121 balls, peppering the boundary with 14 fours and displaying the kind of intent that has become synonymous with England under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.
Duckett’s innings was not just brisk but historic. He became the first England opener to score a century in the fourth innings of a Test at Leeds, and only the second overall after Australia’s Arthur Morris in 1948. His partnership with Zak Crawley, which soared past 180 runs, effectively neutralized India’s hopes of a final-day victory as England ended the rain-affected second session at 181 without loss, scoring at an impressive rate of 4.43 runs per over.
Fans and commentators hailed Duckett’s knock as a perfect encapsulation of ‘Bazball’—England’s aggressive, risk-taking approach to Test cricket. On social media, supporters praised Duckett’s fearless strokeplay and his ability to put pressure back on the bowlers, especially against a high-quality Indian attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
Duckett’s innings was not without drama. On 97, he survived a major scare when Yashasvi Jaiswal dropped a catch at deep backward square leg—his second reprieve of the match after a missed chance in the first innings. Duckett capitalized immediately, reverse-sweeping Ravindra Jadeja to the boundary to bring up his hundred and send the crowd into a frenzy.
With this knock, Duckett joined an elite group of England openers to register a fourth-innings century, the first since Alastair Cook in 2010, and crossed the 2,500-run mark in Test cricket. His record against India continues to impress, with two centuries in just eight matches against the subcontinental giants.
Also WATCH: Ravindra Jadeja’s playful fist gesture with umpire wins hearts on Day 5 of Headingley Test
Here’s how fans reacted:
Ben Duckett is one of the best in the world, and in all formats of the game. T20, ODI and most definitely test cricket. Sensational, about time he gets the credit he’s deserved for some time now.
— Cameron Cairns (@CameronCairns87) June 24, 2025
Ben Duckett brings up his 6th Test century!
Reaches the milestone on 121 balls with 14 boundaries, LEADING THE CHARGE against India. First England opener to score a 4th-innings century since Alastair Cook in 2010! #BenDuckett #ENGvING pic.twitter.com/2X6gBdtcLz— Chandan Singh Yadav (@Chandanmgs123) June 24, 2025
HUNDRED FOR BEN DUCKETT IN THE FOURTH INNINGS WHILE CHASING 371 RUNS ON 5th DAY
– One of the iconic innings in England Test history. pic.twitter.com/Q5GCW3haA4— Jitendra (@hardikJitendra1) June 24, 2025
Ben Duckett is the first English opener to score a 4th innings Test century in over 15 years – since Alistar Cook’s 109* at Mirpur in 2010.#ENGvsIND
— Rhitankar Bandyopadhyay (@_rhitankar_) June 24, 2025
Brilliant century on the 5th day by Ben Duckett. What a player! 😍😍😍#INDvsENG
— Ayush Gupta (@ThatBareillyGuy) June 24, 2025
Ben Duckett is a multi format machine 🏏
— Miles Cookman (@MilesCookman) June 24, 2025
Ben Duckett smashes a stylish century to power England’s pursuit at Headingley 🔥#cricket #ENGvIND #Testmatch pic.twitter.com/67kZkBrrTk
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 24, 2025
Ben Duckett is superb, isn’t he! #ENGvsIND
— Lee Clarke (@Clarkey_No1) June 24, 2025
Ben Duckett celebrates his sixth Test century.#ENGvsIND #ENGvIND #Duckett #Headingley pic.twitter.com/koziwwZ3EE
— Charlie P Mullan (@CharliePMullan) June 24, 2025
Talk about standing up when we need it most 😮💨
Ben Duckett goes to his century 👏
🤝@IGcom pic.twitter.com/W9D4gHrzLs
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 24, 2025
A top-class 4th innings 💯 from Ben Duckett! 💥
He’s showing serious grit and determination — not backing down one bit 💪🔥#IndvsEng #WTC25 #BenDuckett #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/4b2brdSGXj— Sitarah Anjum Official (@SitarahAnjum) June 24, 2025
Also READ: ENG vs IND – Here’s why England and India players are wearing black armbands on Day 5 of the Headingley Test
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