Ben Duckett produced a masterclass in modern Test batting at Headingley, smashing a rapid fourth-innings century that left fans and pundits in awe as England launched a fearless chase against India, embodying the aggressive ‘Bazball’ philosophy on Day 5 of the first Test.

Ben Duckett’s historic knock powers England’s chase

Chasing a formidable 371-run target set by India, Duckett was the driving force behind England’s charge. The left-handed opener reached his sixth Test century—and his first in the fourth innings—off just 121 balls, peppering the boundary with 14 fours and displaying the kind of intent that has become synonymous with England under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.

Duckett’s innings was not just brisk but historic. He became the first England opener to score a century in the fourth innings of a Test at Leeds, and only the second overall after Australia’s Arthur Morris in 1948. His partnership with Zak Crawleywhich soared past 180 runs, effectively neutralized India’s hopes of a final-day victory as England ended the rain-affected second session at 181 without loss, scoring at an impressive rate of 4.43 runs per over.

Fans and commentators hailed Duckett’s knock as a perfect encapsulation of ‘Bazball’—England’s aggressive, risk-taking approach to Test cricket. On social media, supporters praised Duckett’s fearless strokeplay and his ability to put pressure back on the bowlers, especially against a high-quality Indian attack led by Jasprit bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.

Duckett’s innings was not without drama. On 97, he survived a major scare when Yashasvi jaiswal dropped a catch at deep backward square leg—his second reprieve of the match after a missed chance in the first innings. Duckett capitalized immediately, reverse-sweeping Ravindra Jadeja to the boundary to bring up his hundred and send the crowd into a frenzy.

With this knock, Duckett joined an elite group of England openers to register a fourth-innings century, the first since Alastair Cook in 2010, and crossed the 2,500-run mark in Test cricket. His record against India continues to impress, with two centuries in just eight matches against the subcontinental giants.

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