England star Jos Buttler and former pacer Stuart Broad unpacked England’s remarkable chase against India in the first Test at Headingley, suggesting the hosts could have overhauled an even steeper target than the 371 they eventually chased down. Speaking on their YouTube podcast ‘For The Love of Cricket’, the duo praised England’s aggressive intent and pinpointed key moments that turned the tide. India, powered by centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant, had set the tone with a commanding 471 in the first innings. But England hit back hard, wiping out the lead with a response that left them just six runs behind. India then added 364 in the third innings, only for England to chase down the 371-run target in style, thanks to a scintillating 149 from Ben Duckett and a composed finish from Jamie Smith. Reflecting on the effort, Buttler made a bold assertion. “I think it would’ve come down to time, but even if they were chasing 450, they’d have given it a go. They cruised that 370,” he said, underlining how fluent and in-control England looked in the final innings.
He added that while the risk factor would naturally increase with a higher target, England’s batting lineup, particularly their top seven, had the firepower and belief to back themselves. “They’d have had to take more risks, but they’d definitely have had a go at it,” Buttler stressed. The statement is in line with captain Ben Stokes’ often-repeated mantra of not settling for draws, which is a hallmark of England’s Bazball philosophy. Under coach Brendon McCullum and Stokes’ leadership, England have routinely pursued challenging fourth-innings targets with unflinching drive.
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Do you think England could have chased down a target of 450 runs?
With a 1-0 lead and momentum firmly in their favour, England head to Edgbaston with a statement win and unmistakable intent to keep pushing boundaries.
