Duckett delivers as Bazball brilliance seals Headingley heist

The thrilling first Test between England and India at Headingley proved a fine advertisement for five-day cricket, providing a feast of runs and plenty of drama right down to the closing overs of a nail-biting run chase.

- By Nobby Piles

The closely fought encounter in which the hosts eventually prevailed bodes well for the remainder of the five-match series which continues at Edgbaston next week.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan could not resist referring to England's win as “Bazball with brains” highlighting their sensible approach in the 371 run chase by being aggressive without resorting to wild shots that has sometimes let them down in the past. It was England’s second-highest successful chase, the previous being 378 also against India three years ago.

On the final day England could not have asked more from their opening batsmen Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley who put on 188 for the first wicket which set up things nicely. Duckett went on to make a brilliant 149 and was deservedly named Player of the Match.