Leeds: England’s Ben Duckett earned high praise from teammate Sam Billings after a match-winning performance in the first Test against India at Headingley. Billings described Duckett as “an unbelievable player” and one of the best all-format cricketers in the world right now.
Duckett was named Player of the Match for his sensational batting, leading England to a thrilling five-wicket win. He scored 62 in the first innings, laying the foundation for England’s strong response. But his second-innings knock of 149 off 170 balls turned the game. He hit 21 fours and one six, attacking India’s bowlers with precision and composure while chasing a daunting 371-run target.
Duckett’s innings ensured England easily reached the target, taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match Test series. Following the match, Billings posted on X (formerly Twitter), calling Duckett “one of the best all-format players in the world atm!”
Despite scoring five centuries across both innings, India suffered a historic defeat—the first in Test history where a team lost despite five individual centuries. Australia previously held that record, losing a match with four centurions in 1929.
The second Test will begin on July 2 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
