England's Dominance Over India: A Test Match Analysis

In a gripping Test match, England showcased their batting prowess against India, chasing down a daunting target of 371 runs. Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett's impressive partnership left India struggling, raising questions about Shubman Gill's captaincy. As England closed in on victory, the Indian bowlers faced criticism for their execution. This article delves into the match's key moments and the reactions from fans and analysts alike.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 24, 2025, 22:24 IST

A Challenging Chase for India

The final day of the Test match began with high hopes for India, who were tasked with defending a formidable target of 371 runs on a deteriorating pitch in Leeds. However, England's opening batsmen, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, displayed remarkable composure, effectively neutralizing the threat posed by Jasprit Bumrah and his teammates.

The duo quickly established a century partnership within just 25 overs, scoring at a rate exceeding four runs per over, which significantly diminished India's chances of making a breakthrough. As England surpassed the 100-run mark without losing a wicket, the pressure mounted on debutant captain Shubman Gill. By lunchtime, England needed only 254 runs with all wickets intact, positioning them well for a record chase.

Social Media Reactions

Watch reactions:

England's Batting Masterclass

Duckett and Crawley executed a batting masterclass, treating the morning session like a limited-overs chase. Duckett, with his aggressive style, reached a blistering fifty off 66 balls, skillfully finding gaps behind point and past mid-on. Crawley played the role of the anchor, rotating the strike and punishing any loose deliveries. Together, they amassed 100 runs in less than 25 overs without taking unnecessary risks.

Their approach against Ravindra Jadeja was commanding, denying the left-arm spinner any chance to settle into a rhythm. The pace bowlers, including Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur, struggled to make an impact, with Siraj being erratic and Krishna proving costly.

Even Bumrah, typically India's most potent weapon, failed to extract any life from the pitch. With a slow outfield and sharp reflexes, England's openers kept the scoreboard ticking, maintaining pressure on the Indian side. Their shot selection and intent highlighted how batting-friendly the conditions remained, even on the fifth day.

Criticism of Captaincy

As England steadily approached their target, doubts about Gill's captaincy in his inaugural Test began to surface. His defensive field placements, allowing easy singles, and failure to apply pressure while England cruised were met with criticism from fans and analysts alike.

Despite India having a comfortable lead, Gill's hesitance to experiment with unconventional field settings or to reintroduce Bumrah for a short burst left many frustrated. His management of Jadeja was equally puzzling, as he was used in short spells without aggressive field placements.

While Gill faced scrutiny for his tactics, the Indian bowlers were criticized for their execution. Bumrah appeared fatigued and underutilized, Siraj was inconsistent, Krishna conceded boundaries, and Shardul was largely ineffective. The consensus was clear: India was not just being outplayed; they were being outsmarted. The bowling lacked bite, and spectators were not inclined to offer any leniency.