England (465 & 373/5) cruise to a comfortable 5-wicket win over India (471 & 364) in the opening Test of the series

[GLORY OF '92]

Yeah just like Imran Khan is responsible for kickstarting the most humiliating Streak across all sport. I respect IK the bowler and captain, but it shouldn't have happened under his watch. His boys, Wasim and Waqar then continued his legacy and so on...

Lol buddy this a serious cope talking about something from 33 years ago. I know it's been a painful few months.....

 

[mominsaigol]

England batted at 4.61 in 1st innings and 4.54 in 2nd innings. This is not the standard rate of Cricket today.

India batted at 4 rpo because the pitch was good and the opponent was England. It has been statistically recorded that since England have opted the Bazzball approach. All the other teams that have batted against them have batted at a quicker than normal run rate. That's Bazzball effect.

Of all the flaws of Bazzball. The one thing you have to give credit to this approach is that it minimizes drawn matches. Case in point only 1 game has been drawn in all Bazzball games so far.

Oh, yeah from that perspective I agree. Teams defo play faster when their playing vs England due to the effect of them eventually tonking 500 in one day.

 

[Savak]

Kohlis aggressive shouting, screaming, fist pumping in the opponents face was missed

 

[sweep_shot]

.

 

[Kohlhaas]

What a fantastic five days! And this is why Test cricket is the only thing that matters, really.

 

[stani_pak]

Glad to see Joe Root was there till to end, to help England win, very fitting that he was there considering all the trolling Indian fans give him, since he might have a chance at breaking a certain someone record haha

 

[mominsaigol]

Glad to see Joe Root was there till to end, to help England win, very fitting that he was there considering all the trolling Indian fans give him, since he might have a chance at breaking a certain someone record haha

He will. England play too many test matches per year. Now that bumrah machine is out of the picture for atleast 2 test games, Root will defo score around 300 runs this series

 

[Markhor]

Congratulations England. Another remarkable runchase to add to a growing collection.

As for India - bar Bumrah the bowling looked ordinary. It also didn't help in both innings the tail was blown away.

 

[Amjid Javed]

When did Bedi did?

In the 1976 Test match against West Indies in Jamaica, Bishan Bedi declared India's second innings closed at 97-5 in protest against intimidatory bowling by the West Indies fast bowlers. Bedi felt the West Indies bowlers were more intent on injuring Indian batsmen than taking wickets. This declaration led to West Indies winning the match by 10 wickets.

 

[pillionrider]

Lol buddy this a serious cope talking about something from 33 years ago. I know it's been a painful few months.....

Just reflecting the vibe of the thread which has been now merged.

 

[Amjid Javed]

I'm sure the Indian statsguru who likes his selective stats when it comes to bumrah will come up with the injured excuse to hide behind in this defeat

 

[kingusama92]

I thought 350+ would be enough but that was some terrible bowling and fielding from India combined with excellent English batsmanship.

Duckett was terrific under pressure.

The Indian bowling attack is pure rubbish and even worse when Bumrah isn't firing.

After a long time the Indian bowling and captaincy gave that Rizwan "Win hai ya Learn hai" vibe. It became obvious when they were smiling and laughing throughout Day 5. Not sure what was so amusing especially when you're dropping catches and bowling garbage.

 

[mominsaigol]

@mominsaigol And you call this a quality poster?

Rishabh Pant did what? Are you still stuck in the pre-accident Pant era? I haven't said a word against him, even after his failures in limited-overs. You are just trying too hard to stay relevant, maybe try something else. And what has me being an Indian got to do with this loss? Weren't you jumping around like a mad rat after the first day? Mature heads like me on the other hand wait for the test to get over. Chal nikal ab.

I don't consider him a part of the clown gang (meso, Devad, Vikram, Uppercut)

Rajdeep is one of them but hes respectful so its okay.

@jeeteshssaxena does debate, argue his points well even though I disagree with them.

Sidhu > Travis Head is hilarious . But he isnt that bad. He has made solid points about cricketers i hate like Bavuma and he typically argues with stats and logic.

I'm willing to discuss cricket with him from now on.

 

[GLORY OF '92]

I thought 350+ would be enough but that was some terrible bowling and fielding from India combined with excellent English batsmanship.

Duckett was terrific under pressure.

The Indian bowling attack is pure rubbish and even worse when Bumrah isn't firing.

After a long time the Indian bowling and captaincy gave that Rizwan "Win hai ya Learn hai" vibe. It became obvious when they were smiling and laughing throughout Day 5. Not sure what was so amusing especially when you're dropping catches and bowling garbage.

Kohli will be missed more than people realise. He didn't like this soft Asian BS mentality.

 

[mominsaigol]

Monkey in a


Kohli will be missed more than people realise. He didn't like this soft Asian BS mentality.

Was crucial to ct and 2024 victory as well.

People dont realise this. He failed but performed in 2 matches that were certified losses for india.

Sa final and aus semi final(CT)

 

[Human786]

Dropped catches & losing 13 wickets for 72 runs plus poor bowling on day 5 cost IND the game . Fantastic chase by ENG .
Hopefully we get spicier pitches going ahead !

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Ben Duckett’s stunning 149 powered England to a thrilling run chase of 371, sealing a dramatic victory over India on the final day of the first Test at Headingley — a match that will go down as one of the great Test wins.

Duckett delivered one of the finest knocks by an England batter, helping secure their second-highest successful Test chase, surpassed only by the 378-run pursuit against India at Edgbaston in 2022.

With this performance, Duckett etched his name alongside Headingley legends like Ian Botham (1981), Mark Butcher (2001), Shai Hope (2017), and Ben Stokes (2019).

He shared a 188-run opening stand with Zak Crawley, who contributed a composed 65. Both openers were given lifelines — Crawley on 42 and Duckett on 97 — but made India pay. England looked in complete control until Duckett and Harry Brook fell to consecutive deliveries from Shardul Thakur, leaving England still 118 runs away with four wickets down.

Joe Root and Ben Stokes took up the challenge, resisting both India’s momentum and the looming threat of rain. Together, they added a crucial 49 runs before Stokes fell attempting a reverse sweep off Ravindra Jadeja.

Jamie Smith then stepped up with 69 needed and showed remarkable calm under pressure. As the target neared, tension built — but it was too late for India. The second new ball was taken with only 22 runs remaining.

England chased down the total at a brisk 4.55 run rate, sealing victory with 14 overs to spare. Root remained unbeaten on 53, while Smith finished on 44.

The two sides now have eight days to regroup before the second Test gets underway at Edgbaston on July 2.

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

One of the best posters here who only talks substance. I appreciate your posts. Keep the good work and ignore negativity.

Seeing you after a long time.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Kohlis Famous Never say die Characteristics was evident. I actually thought india where pretty much flat through out England run chase. Its never easy replacing Great cricketers. Specially one with Kohlis Aura.

 

[Amjid Javed]

Bazball will always look great on these placid surfaces, only difference between here and placid wickets in Asia is the bounce. England will score quickly against all teams in these conditions, so it will then come down to who is batting last. Yeah it makes for good fast paced cricket. But as soon as ball starts to swing, seam to turn you know the same batting looks clueless.

But fair play to england for hammering teams when conditions are like this

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Kohlis Famous Never say die Characteristics was evident. I actually thought india where pretty much flat through out England run chase. Its never easy replacing Great cricketers. Specially one with Kohlis Aura.

Gill was trying to imitate Kohli's celebrations.

 

[Hyder]

Congratulations England. Another remarkable runchase to add to a growing collection.

As for India - bar Bumrah the bowling looked ordinary. It also didn't help in both innings the tail was blown away.

Bumrah didn't do anything in final innings
So even he was a let down by his standards. Being a lone spearhead be came out with only five wkts in the match including zero in final innings. 2 more wkts from him and it would ve been very close.
For starters he took as many wkts as stokes and stokes didn't take tailenders wkts

 

[Hyder]

H

Was crucial to ct and 2024 victory as well.

People dont realise this. He failed but performed in 2 matches that were certified losses for india.

Sa final and aus semi final(CT)

He was also great in 23 wc. India looked cruising as long as he was on the crease.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Indian spin doctors will be out in force. Wonder what the politics is behind ousting Kohli9


Hopefully 5-0 as England's bowling can only get better

 

[The cricket enthusiast]

England ney hum pey he hamla kardiya

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

People were criticizing Stokes's decision to bowl first, but in the end he proved to be right.

This kind of a run-chase can damage the confidence of a bowling attack too. Not everyday you see a team gun down 371 in the fourth innings, and 350 in one day.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

If India lose, I hope it is a 5-0 thrashing. Hopefully , that will reduce the number of Tests we play per series going ahead.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

People were criticizing Stokes's decision to bowl first, but in the end he proved to be right.

This kind of a run-chase can damage the confidence of a bowling attack too. Not everyday you see a team gun down 371 in the fourth innings, and 350 in one day.

Absolutely the right decision. It was swinging square in the first session.

And these Bazball pitches don't deteriorate significantly and allows these chases.

Even Shubman wanted to chase

 

[Cricket Warrior]

 

[mominsaigol]

If India lose, I hope it is a 5-0 thrashing. Hopefully , that will reduce the number of Tests we play per series going ahead.

So umm, I'd like to acquire a UK passport now

 

[atreus]

It's very fitting Root was the one to put the game away, he'd soon put a record away too.

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Gill was trying to imitate Kohli's celebrations.

Sorry. I was meant to say, kohlis never say die characteristics where missing.
A player of his Aura is not easy to replace. He brings the complete package

 

[aboveandbeyond]

Absolutely the right decision. It was swinging square in the first session.

And these Bazball pitches don't deteriorate significantly and allows these chases.

Even Shubman wanted to chase

Not sure about that. Had indian butterfingers didn't drop double digit catches, England where really up against it. India gifted England on a platter a few times.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Not sure about that. Had indian butterfingers didn't drop double digit catches, England where really up against it. India gifted England on a platter a few times.

Regardless of Indian butterfingers , the decision to bowl first was justified by the massive swing in the first session and that Gill wanted to bowl too

 

[Sarmad]

Kohlis aggressive shouting, screaming, fist pumping in the opponents face was missed

I respect kohli alot but to be honest, all his aggression looked fake and exagerrated.

Tendulkar Dravid and Dhoni never behaved like this. If u become a legend, then behave like a legend

 

[Sarmad]

Wonderful test match. Thanks to both the teams for all the entertainment

 

[Sarmad]

Feel sorry for Bumrah. So much load on him

 

[Sarmad]

Indian attach looking weak. Shardlow was off color. Siraj not taking wkts.

I remember both of them were part of Indian team when they beat Aus in Aus

 

[Sarmad]

Indian attach looking weak. Shardlow was off color. Siraj not taking wkts.

I remember both of them were part of Indian team when they beat Aus in Aus

*shardul

 

[Bhaag Viru Bhaag]

Indian attach looking weak. Shardlow was off color. Siraj not taking wkts.

I remember both of them were part of Indian team when they beat Aus in Aus

Shardlow is a nice nickname for Shardul.

 

[sweep_shot]

India became the first country in history to lose a Test match despite their batters scoring 5 centuries.

They can console themselves with this record I guess.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

another unwanted record for team India

 

[sweep_shot]

another unwanted record for team India

View attachment 155622

Indian batters did their job.

Bowlers cost India the game.

Also, England batted superbly. England outbatted India.

 

[RidiculousMan]

I respect kohli alot but to be honest, all his aggression looked fake and exagerrated.

Tendulkar Dravid and Dhoni never behaved like this. If u become a legend, then behave like a legend

Same. It made me dislike him. All those antics. He didn't need to do that. His game was enough to answer for it.

 

[sweep_shot]

I respect kohli alot but to be honest, all his aggression looked fake and exagerrated.

Tendulkar Dravid and Dhoni never behaved like this. If u become a legend, then behave like a legend

Kohli is a big loser. He shoulder-bumped a 19-year old kid (Konstas) just because Konstas was ignoring him.

I think India is better off without someone like Kohli. No player should be above the game and above the team.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Duckett unleashed a Sehwag-esque knock on India.

 

[Mesozoic]

Indian posters deserve this humiliation

@Mesozoic @Devadwal @Rajdeep @uppercut @Vikram1989

Im sure I missed a few irritating trolls

What humiliation?

England are a better side than us in these conditions and are deserving winners.

It's not like we are getting clean swept by Bangladesh at home.

 

[guard]

Congratulations England. Another remarkable runchase to add to a growing collection.

As for India - bar Bumrah the bowling looked ordinary. It also didn't help in both innings the tail was blown away.

Congrats also to all the indians who were wearing England shirts underneath..

 

[Savak]

I respect kohli alot but to be honest, all his aggression looked fake and exagerrated.

Tendulkar Dravid and Dhoni never behaved like this. If u become a legend, then behave like a legend

Kohli represents Modern India i.e. flaunt your bank balance, countries GDP to others. Its what he did to Naveen ul Haq in the IPL where Naveen gave it back to him while sledging and Kohli told him that your not even worth the dirt on my shoes.

 

[shamaan]

Outstanding performance from England.

 

[sweep_shot]

Kohli represents Modern India i.e. flaunt your bank balance, countries GDP to others. Its what he did to Naveen ul Haq in the IPL where Naveen gave it back to him while sledging and Kohli told him that your not even worth the dirt on my shoes.

Very retarded thought process from Kohli. Then again, many Indians think like this (we also see that on PP).

It is stupid and cringy.

 

[globetrotter]

Reasons Defoe India’s defeat……

Lower batting not clicked…
Drop catches…..
Bowling not clicked in 2nd inning

Still It’s a new Indian team under the captain ship of new captain.. hope they will learn fast

 

[mominsaigol]

What humiliation?

England are a better side than us in these conditions and are deserving winners.

It's not like we are getting clean swept by Bangladesh at home.

Lol I predicted one of you would bring up Pakistan and Bangladesh eventually

 

[prisha]

will India make any changes in the team or continue with same trash for the next test. I think as long as Gambhir is the coach they will continue with the same team and loose every match they play. The bowling is so bad I can’t even stand them. Bumrah should be rested and see how the trash bowlers will bowl. Shardul and prasidh should be only drink carriers or net bowlers. I am so disappointed

 

[BouncerGuy]

LOL... Bumrah failed to take a single wicket in the 2nd inning when it mattered the most.. A great bowler great bowler but he stumbled under pressure in many cases.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Heartiest congratulations to England on yet another historic and breathtaking Test victory against India. Chasing down two successive 370+ targets is nothing short of extraordinary. Credit where it’s due — this would not have been possible without the Bazball approach. England have built a seasoned, mentally strong core who execute their roles with precision. And while they still have weak links, India simply failed to exploit them.

India, on the other hand, must urgently reassess their entire Test setup — starting from the coaching staff. Gautam Gambhir, with all due respect for winning us two ICC tournaments, seems to have drained the soul and character out of this side. As a coach, he appears overly rigid, confrontational, and frankly uninspiring. Maybe that approach works for him personally, but it doesn’t translate well into team leadership. Indian cricket needs a coach who can foster growth, not just enforce control. It’s time the BCCI considers a change.

Shubman Gill, as a young captain, deserves some patience. We knew the risks when we appointed someone whose place in the XI wasn’t even fully secure. So let’s not act shocked at the early hiccups. That said, he needs to evolve quickly. India needs an assertive, commanding leader — not someone who appears unsure. This is not a team of hungry youngsters; it’s a room full of multi-millionaires. Leadership in Indian cricket demands a firm hand. Virat, Rohit, Dhoni, Kumble, and Ganguly — all were strong-willed leaders who got the best out of their teams. Weak leadership just won’t cut it in this environment.

The bowling, however, was the biggest disappointment. Prasidh Krishna has sadly been exposed — effective in T20s, but simply not cut out for Test cricket. There’s no aggression, no presence. He doesn’t even attempt to challenge batters mentally — and you need that in red-ball cricket. Shardul Thakur performed to expectations. He is what he is — a limited-conditions swing bowler, and those conditions just didn’t turn up.

Mohammed Siraj remains too inconsistent. Fans are left waiting for him to “click,” but international cricket isn’t about occasional brilliance. He needs to be consistently threatening — and he wasn’t. Dropped catches didn’t help, but that’s part of the game.

Ravindra Jadeja, abroad, remains a painful reminder of our lack of match-winning spinners outside Asia since Chandrasekhar in the 1970s.

Karun Nair, after such a long absence, deserves a bit of slack. Here’s hoping for a better show in the next Test.

Yashasvi Jaiswal — your century is overshadowed by your shockingly poor fielding. Dropping 4-5 catches in a single game is unacceptable at any level, let alone international cricket. Regardless of your hundred, your overall impact was negative. Catches win matches — and you cost us dearly. There’s no shortage of batting talent in India. If this level of carelessness continues, you’ll find yourself out of the XI quickly. Talent isn’t a free pass to mediocrity.

And here’s the broader concern — England seems to have changed the blueprint to beat India at home. Earlier, they relied on swinging conditions. Now, they’re willing to play us on flat pitches, confident that our batters won’t pile up 600s and that our bowlers can’t defend even sizable targets. That’s a big psychological shift — and it should worry Indian cricket deeply.

Lastly, a word on Virat Kohli. Whatever your views, be respectful of what he brought to Indian Test cricket. Even if we had lost this Test under him, the fight would have been visible — the energy, the defiance, the belief. Under his leadership, India treated Test cricket as a badge of pride. What we saw in this match was a disinterested unit going through the motions. No fire, no hunger, no intent. And if this continues, Indian fans are in for some long, painful days ahead.

 

[hks222]

Another day another pounding for india