Ben Duckett produced one of the finest fourth-innings knocks ever against India, scoring a composed and authoritative 149 at Headingley on Day 5 of the first Test. His powerful knock meant that he now owns the highest individual score in a successful fourth-innings chase against India. The opener’s commendable effort has pushed England closer to the win on Day 5, despite the visitors’ desperate efforts to claw their way back into the contest. Duckett, who had already scored 62 in the first innings, ended the match with an aggregate of over 200 runs, thereby underlining his growing stature as a reliable run-getter in England’s aggressive setup. With India needing quick breakthroughs on a pitch that had flattened out under bright skies, Duckett’s composure was the biggest thorn in their side. He mixed deft placement with crisp driving, frustrating an Indian attack that had been made to wait over 50 overs for a crack at him in the final innings.
His dismissal finally came courtesy of Shardul Thakur, who got one full and wide enough to tempt Duckett into a flowing drive. The left-hander couldn’t keep it down and substitute fielder Nitish Reddy made no mistake at short extra cover, diving smartly to his left to cling onto a sharp catch. With his knock, Duckett sits atop an elite list of highest individual scores in fourth-innings chases against India — surpassing Joe Root’s unbeaten 142 at Edgbaston in 2022 and Faf du Plessis’ gritty 134 at Johannesburg in 2013.
Best individual knocks in the 4th innings chases against India
- 149 Ben Duckett Headingley 2025
- 142*Joe Root Edgbaston 2022
- 134 Faf du Plessis Joburg 2013
- 124 Duleep Mendis kandy 1985
- 122*Daryll Cullinan Joburg 1997
Poll
Do you think England can maintain their momentum in the final session?
England’s top order, anchored by Duckett and Root, has left India with minimal margin for error heading into the final session. Thakur’s strike briefly lifted the visitors, with his next ball also sending Harry Brook back to the dugout for a duck.
