Duckett Hailed as Match Winner in Headingley Test Against India

LEEDS: Following his remarkable performance in the first Test against India at Headingley, teammate Ben Duckett received high praise from England wicketkeeper-batter Sam Billings on Tuesday.

Billings lauded Duckett as an ‘unbelievable player,’ suggesting he is among the top cricketers across all formats globally at present.

Duckett’s match-defining performance was crucial in England’s thrilling five-wicket victory over India.

In the initial innings, Duckett contributed a significant 62 runs, punctuated by nine boundaries, thereby establishing a solid foundation for England’s batting response. His second innings, however, proved to be the match’s pivotal moment.

Tasked with chasing a substantial 371-run target set by India, Duckett delivered an extraordinary innings, amassing 149 runs from just 170 deliveries.

His innings featured 21 boundaries and a single six, facilitating England’s successful pursuit of the target with considerable ease.

His forceful yet measured method disrupted India’s bowling attack and maintained England’s advantage.

Post-match, Billings shared his sentiments on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“Duckett has to be one of the best all format players in the world atm! Unbelievable player.”

For his heroic efforts, Duckett was awarded Player of the Match. His contribution not only secured England’s win but also gave them a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series.

Despite five individual centuries across both innings, India faced a historic defeat — becoming the first team in Test cricket history to lose a match after five players had scored centuries.

Previously, Australia held this unfavorable record, having lost a match in 1929 despite four centuries.

The second Test match between England and India is scheduled to commence on July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.