Leeds, UK – June 24, 2025 – History was made, and nerves were shredded at Headingley today as England completed a sensational 371-run chase against India on Day 5 of the first Test, clinching a memorable victory that will be etched into the annals of cricket folklore. While not a new world record, this monumental effort by the “Bazball” brigade has left its indelible mark on the record books, particularly for England.

Coming into the final day needing a daunting 350 runs, with all ten wickets in hand, England showcased remarkable composure and audacious intent. Openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley laid a magnificent foundation, but it was the collective resilience and attacking mindset that ultimately saw them home against a formidable Indian bowling attack.

A Look at the Records Rewritten:

• England’s New Headingley High: The successful chase of 371 is now England’s highest ever successful run chase at Headingley. This surpasses their previous best at this iconic venue, which was 362 runs achieved against Australia in the legendary Ben Stokes-inspired Ashes Test of 2019. The roar of the Headingley faithful as the winning runs were struck will resonate for years to come.
• Second-Highest Overall for England: While the world record for the highest successful Test chase (418 runs by West Indies vs Australia in 2003) remains untouched, this 371-run effort now stands as England’s second-highest successful run chase in Test history. Their best remains the extraordinary 378 runs chased against India at Edgbaston in 2022, a game that truly ignited the “Bazball” revolution.
• Entering the Elite Top 10: This incredible performance by England firmly places the 371-run chase into the top 10 highest successful fourth-innings run chases in the history of Test cricket. This is a testament to the evolving nature of Test cricket and the fearless approach adopted by modern teams.

Beyond the Chase: Individual Brilliance and Indian Milestones

The match wasn’t just about England’s chase; it was a captivating contest throughout, marked by some exceptional individual performances.

For India, the hero with the bat was undoubtedly Rishabh Pant. The flamboyant wicketkeeper-batsman etched his name in the record books by becoming only the second designated wicketkeeper in Test history to score centuries in both innings of a Test match, a feat previously achieved only by the legendary Andy Flower. Pant’s attacking knocks of 134 and 118 showcased his unique talent and aggressive brand of cricket. Furthermore, he joined an elite list of visiting batters with five consecutive 50-plus scores in England, underscoring his consistency in English conditions.

Adding to India’s batting prowess, KL Rahul also notched up a well-crafted century (137), demonstrating his overseas Test match credentials and providing a crucial anchor for the Indian innings. Rahul’s century was particularly significant as it marked his third Test hundred as an opener in England, surpassing the likes of Sunil Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid for this impressive milestone.

A Series-Defining Encounter

This first Test between India and England has been a cricketing spectacle, showcasing the enduring appeal and drama of the longest format of the game. The pendulum swung wildly throughout the five days, but it was England’s audacious belief in their “Bazball” strategy that ultimately triumphed. As the series progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters between these two cricketing powerhouses, fueled by the records broken and the compelling narratives established in this epic Headingley encounter.