The fifth and final day of the IND vs ENG 1st Test 2025 has set the stage for an electrifying finish at Headingley, Leeds. England has been handed a challenging target of 371 runs to win, and although they’ve made a steady start without losing a wicket, the path ahead is anything but easy. Openers Ben Duckett 13 and Zak Crawley 12 are holding the fort, but Team India is hungry for a blockbuster result one that could break a 35-year drought in England.
India’s second innings wrapped up at 364 runs on Day 4, giving them a 370-run lead. This came after the hosts put up a strong fight in their first innings with 465 runs, in reply to India’s solid 471. With the match delicately poised, this final day of the IND vs ENG Test is expected to be a thrilling contest between bat and ball.
England’s Second Innings A Cautious Start
The day began with England resuming at 21/0. Jasprit Bumrah opened the proceedings and conceded four runs in the first over. Duckett struck a boundary to settle early nerves. England progressed to 25/0 in 7 overs, but the road to 371 remains steep and treacherous. The Indian bowlers are aware that one early breakthrough can tilt the momentum in their favor.
History at Headingley Can England Chase It Down?
Chasing a total above 350 in a fourth innings is a monumental task at Headingley. Historically, the highest successful run chase on this ground was achieved by Australia in 1948, when they chased down 404 runs against England with ease. More recently, England managed to chase 362 against Australia in 2019, famously led by Ben Stokes. They also chased 315 successfully back in 2001.
However, this time they’re up against a well-rounded Indian bowling attack featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja. These bowlers have consistently delivered in high-pressure situations in past IND vs ENG battles.
Key England Batters to Watch Duckett, Root, and Brook
England’s hopes lie heavily on three batters Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Harry Brook. If any of them manages to play a long innings, the match could swing toward England. Joe Root’s experience, especially on home soil, makes him the biggest threat to India. However, India has historically managed to get the better of Root in crucial IND vs ENG matches. Duckett’s solid technique and Brook’s aggressive flair will be tested to the limit against India’s relentless attack.
Strategic Pressure The Morning Session is Crucial
The first session of Day 5 will likely decide the fate of the match. If India can remove one or two key wickets early, they’ll have a clear path to victory. However, if England’s top order survives the opening session, the chase becomes more realistic. With the ball still relatively new and the pitch showing signs of uneven bounce, India will back their bowlers to do the job.
India’s Golden Opportunity to Break the Jinx
India has not won the first Test of a series in England for over 35 years. This IND vs ENG fixture gives them a golden opportunity to change that record. With Rohit Sharma’s tactical acumen, the aggression of the pace attack, and the control offered by the spinners, India will look to seal the deal and go 1-0 up in the five match series.
If India succeeds, it will not just be a win but a historic statement. They came prepared with a deep batting line-up and a versatile bowling unit, and they’ve dominated most sessions in this match. A win at Leeds would give them immense momentum heading into the rest of the all IND vs ENG series.
Final Word
With over 340 runs still to get, and 10 wickets in hand, the final day of this IND vs ENG Test match promises drama, tension, and possibly a thrilling finish. Whether England can pull off a record breaking chase or India writes history at Headingley, cricket fans around the world are in for a memorable showdown