England need just 102 more runs to beat India after Ben Duckett scored a century.

 LEEDS, JUNE 24 — England is just 102 runs away from a dramatic win over India after Ben Duckett scored a brilliant century on the final day of the first Test at Headingley. England reached 269-4 at tea while chasing a target of 371 – their second-highest run chase in Test history – with 37.3 overs left in the extended final session.

Duckett smashed 149 runs off 170 balls, hitting 21 boundaries and even pulling off a bold reverse-swept six against spinner Ravindra Jadeja. His opening partnership with Zak Crawley added a massive 188 runs, giving England a strong foundation. Crawley, playing a supporting role, scored a steady 65 off 126 balls.

Despite the strong start, England lost four wickets in the afternoon, giving India a glimmer of hope. Duckett was eventually dismissed by Shardul Thakur, and the very next ball, Harry Brook was caught behind, giving Thakur two wickets in two deliveries.

Earlier, Duckett had a few lucky escapes – edging a ball through a vacant slip on 82 and being dropped on 97 by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had already missed two earlier chances in the match. But he brought up his sixth Test century in style, celebrating emotionally after reaching the milestone off 121 balls.

Rain briefly interrupted play with the score at 181-0, and when the match resumed, Crawley was dismissed just five minutes later. Prasidh Krishna, despite being expensive, picked up two quick wickets – removing Crawley and Ollie Pope – to give India a small opening.

At tea, Joe Root (14*) and Ben Stokes (13*) were at the crease, with England still in control. With no more rain expected, India’s chances now depend on breaking England’s momentum in the final session.

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