Records tumbled at Headingley as England’s remarkable run-chase brought a close to another memorable Test Match.
A record crowd for Headingley in the 21st century attended over the course of the five days with just short of 70,000 people coming through the gates. Seven centuries were scored across both teams, with India notching up five of them but still going on to lose the match. Rishabh Pant’s centuries in each innings wrote the dynamic wicket keeper into the record books as only the second player in Headingley’s history to achieve the feat, following Shai Hope’s twin-tons in the 2017 Test Match. Another historic game etched into history.
Whether reminiscing about the infamous 2019 Ashes with Ben Stokes’ heroic efforts in a last wicket partnership with Jack Leach or discussing Ian Botham and Bob Willis’ superhuman efforts in 1981 and many other occasions in between, 2025 will certainly be talked about in the same ilk.
Yorkshire’s home-grown talent came to the fore with Harry Brook falling agonisingly short of a first Test Match hundred on his home ground, caught at fine leg on 99 to bring an end to a swashbuckling innings. England’s greatest ever batter Joe Root led his team home on day five with a measured 53 not out.
Richard Robinson and his grounds team produced another outstanding pitch – labelled in some quarters of the media as ‘the best in the world’. With lively pace and good carry, the bowlers saw some reward when bending their backs, but when they strayed in line and length, the batters made full use of the rapid Headingley outfield.
Off the field, the famous Headingley atmosphere pushed England to another famous victory – their sixth in a row in Leeds.
Yorkshire CCC’s Chief Executive Officer Sanjay Patel said: “It’s was a fantastic week at Headingley, with another incredible Test Match that will live long in the memories of everyone that came.
“There really is something very special about Headingley, and I’m very proud of all our staff, partners and everyone else involved in making it such a special occasion. The hard work and planning started back in June 2024, and we’ve been determined to make it the best ever experience for all our stakeholders. The positive feedback we’ve received over the last week has been fantastic and I believe the Test Match will be a springboard for our future success.
“Yorkshire Cricket has a long history of delivering hugely entertaining fixtures at Headingley and there is no surprise that we see strong ticket sales for any international match here.
“We’ve now set new standards for what we want to deliver here at Headingley and will be striving to be even better in the coming months with a roster of enthralling games to enjoy.”
