HOWZAT FOR OPENERS!

Duckett and Crawley star in monster chase to launch series with a bang

- from JEREMY CROSS

ENGLAND indulged in more history and heroics at Headingley to seal a sensational win over India.

Ben Duckett produced the innings of his life with a stunning 149 to help secure a remarkable first Test triumph for the hosts.

What is it about England and this ground?

Back in 1981 Sir Ian Botham and Bob Willis inspired them to a famous Ashes comeback win over Australia.

While the memories of Ben Stokes' astonishing knock here in 2019, also to sink the Aussies, are still vivid.

This time it was Duckett's turn to be the hero, leading England towards a winning total of 373-5, completing the team's second-highest run chase in Test history and go 1-0 up from a Test match which was spellbinding from start to finish.

One which included two Indian batting collapses, seven centurions, a 99, three wickets in four balls from Josh Tongue and more dropped catches than either side will want to remember.

At one stage on the opening day, India were 430-3. They have now become the first side in history to lose a Test in which five 100s were scored across the match by the losing side.