Tue Jun 24 12:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
England had a strong morning session on Day 5 of the test match, reaching lunch at 117 for 0, needing another 254 runs to win with all ten wickets still in hand. Ben Duckett (64*) and Zak Crawley (42*) navigated challenging conditions and disciplined Indian bowling to put England in a commanding position. India started well, creating chances, but were ultimately unable to break the opening partnership. England accelerated after the drinks break, with Duckett reaching his half-century. Controversy arose at the end of the session when Crawley pulled out of a delivery at the last second to delay another over from Bumrah.
**News Article:**
**England Dominate Morning Session, Inch Closer to Victory Against India**
Leeds, England – England are in a commanding position to win against India after a dominant morning session on Day 5 of the test match at Headingley. Openers Ben Duckett (64*) and Zak Crawley (42*) remained unbeaten as England reached lunch at 117 for 0, needing just 254 more runs for victory with all ten wickets intact.
Under overcast skies, India began the day with disciplined bowling, aiming to make early inroads. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna were particularly threatening, with Siraj inducing two close LBW appeals against Crawley. However, the Indian bowlers struggled to find significant swing, allowing the English batsmen to settle in.
After a cautious start, England accelerated after the drinks break. Duckett reached his half-century, while Crawley joined in with some aggressive shots. The pair brought up their 100-run partnership, the first at Headingley in the fourth innings since 1984.
As the ball softened, India grew frustrated. Appeals to change the ball were initially denied by the umpires, adding to the tension. Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah managed to stem the flow of runs towards the end of the session, with Bumrah even missing a tough return catch off Crawley.
The session ended with controversy when Crawley pulled out of a delivery at the last second, seemingly to avoid facing another over from the threatening Bumrah.
Despite India’s efforts, England’s strong start has put them firmly in the driver’s seat, raising expectations that the match would be over by the end of the day.
**Brief Scores:**
* **England:** 465 & 117/0 (Ben Duckett 64*, Zak Crawley 42*)
* **India:** 471 & 364
* **England need 254 runs to win**
First Piper 