Context:

England's openers, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, have significantly advanced their team's pursuit of a 371-run target against India by reaching 117 without loss by lunch on the final day of the test series opener in Leeds. Duckett and Crawley, with scores of 64 and 42 not out respectively, effectively handled the challenging conditions, including overcast skies and a responsive pitch that favored Indian bowlers. Despite the pressure from India's pace attack led by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, the openers maintained a brisk scoring rate of 3.9 runs per over, showcasing their skill and composure. Duckett's innings marked his 20th fifty-plus score in test cricket, and their partnership has become England's most successful since Cook and Strauss. England is known for its formidable chasing capability under coach Brendon McCullum, with a strong track record of successful run pursuits.

Dive Deeper:

• Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley have made an impressive start to England's innings, reaching 117 without losing a wicket by lunch on the last day, as they chase a target of 371 runs against India in Leeds.

• The opening pair scored at a rate of 3.9 runs per over, matching the required pace despite the challenging conditions of leaden skies and a pitch offering turn and movement, which were expected to favor the Indian bowlers.

• India's pace attack, featuring Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, initially posed a threat, but Duckett and Crawley successfully navigated their spells, capitalizing on opportunities against other bowlers like Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna.

• Jasprit Bumrah returned for another spell before lunch but missed a tough caught-and-bowled opportunity with Crawley, who was on 42 at the time, while a review for an lbw against Crawley was wasted as the ball was heading down leg.

• Ben Duckett achieved his 20th test score of fifty or more, surpassing his first innings score of 62, and their partnership has now accumulated over 2,000 runs, making it the most successful since Alastair Cook and Andrew Strauss.

• England, under the guidance of coach Brendon McCullum, has a strong reputation for successful run chases, having won 11 out of 17 such attempts, positioning them confidently to attempt their second highest successful chase.

• The partnership between Duckett and Crawley has not only set a solid foundation for the chase but also marked a significant milestone in England's cricketing history, echoing the successful opening partnerships of the past.