Ben Duckett’s sublime 149 at Headingley puts England on top in India Test. Explore stats, records, fan reactions and what made his knock special.
What Happened at Headingley?
- On Day 5 of the first Test at Headingley, Ben Duckett scored a brilliant 149, anchoring England in a chase of 371 against India lmtonline.com+15theguardian.com+15timesofindia.indiatimes.com+15.
- He and Zak Crawley posted a record 188‑run opening partnership—the best for England in a fourth‑innings chase at Headingley thetelegraph.com+8sports.ndtv.com+8republicworld.com+8.
- Duckett’s knock is now the highest individual score in a successful fourth‑innings chase against India en.wikipedia.org+1timesofindia.indiatimes.com+1.
📊 Key Stats & Records
- 149 off 170 balls, featuring audacious reverse sweeps and 21 boundaries skysports.com+15apnews.com+15thetimes.co.uk+15.
- Sixth Test century and second vs India reuters.com+10apnews.com+10cricket.one+10.
- One of only two English openers in 30 years (after Alastair Cook) to hit 50+ in both innings at Headingley apnews.com+5republicworld.com+5timesofindia.indiatimes.com+5.
- Part of the fifth-highest fourth‑innings opening stand in Test history for England thecricketgazette.com+15apnews.com+15thetelegraph.com+15.
Fans & Experts React
Social media reactions have been overwhelming:
“Ben Duckett brings up a sensational century in the 4th innings… One of the finest knocks of his Test career.” jerseyeveningpost.com+14sportskeeda.com+14cricket.one+14
Cricket pundits are hailing him as “the best all‑format opener in the world” following this knock sportskeeda.com.
What Makes This Knock Special?
- Calm under pressure – In a nail-biting chase, Duckett absorbed the Indian attack.
- Bazball aggression – Combining fearless intent with calculated shot‑making.
- Game-changing opening stand – His partnership with Crawley created a platform for victory.
- Personal redemption – From past controversies to redemptive performances, his maturity shines through en.wikipedia.org+10crictoday.com+10tribuneindia.com+10business-standard.comtheweek.in+3thetelegraph.com+3reuters.com+3.
Duckett’s Wider Career Snapshot
- Debuted for England in 2016; plays all formats hindustantimes.com.
- Domestic powerhouse: Northamptonshire → Nottinghamshire; PCA awards winner with stellar county records .
- Strong red‑ball record under Brendon McCullum’s Bazball revolution theguardian.com+15thecricketgazette.com+15business-standard.com+15.
- Played pivotal roles: T20 Blast, T20 World Cup 2024, Champions Trophy record 165 vs Australia