India made a powerful start to the first Test against England at Headingley, thanks to a masterful century from young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and a captain’s knock from Shubman Gill. After winning the toss, India elected to bat on a pitch that initially offered some assistance to bowlers. While debutant Sai Sudharsan was dismissed cheaply for a duck, Jaiswal anchored the innings with impressive maturity. He reached his fifth Test century in just 144 balls, laced with 16 boundaries and a six. Despite suffering from hand cramps during his innings, the 23-year-old remained composed and aggressive, frustrating England’s pace attack and earning widespread praise on social media, where his innings was described as a “nightmare for England.”
Jaiswal’s partnership with Shubman Gill was the cornerstone of India’s batting effort. Gill, who is leading India in a Test for the first time, supported Jaiswal well and soon took charge after the latter’s dismissal for 101. Gill played with a blend of calm authority and fluent strokeplay, eventually reaching a century of his own. His innings came at a crucial time and helped solidify India’s dominance on a pitch where early wickets could have easily tipped the balance. The pair’s performance revived memories of classic Indian partnerships abroad and demonstrated the depth and promise of India’s emerging batting order.
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By stumps on Day 1, India had reached a commanding 359/3, with Gill unbeaten on 127 and Rishabh Pant adding a brisk, unbeaten 65. Pant’s aggressive approach helped India maintain a strong run rate and demoralize England’s bowlers further. England’s decision to bowl first backfired as their bowling attack, led by veteran James Anderson and supported by Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood, failed to make significant inroads after the initial breakthroughs.
With a strong platform set, India will look to capitalize on Day 2 and push for a massive first-innings total. England, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to regain control, especially with a flat pitch expected to ease out and India’s middle order still to come. This opening day not only put India in the driver’s seat but also showcased the potential of their next-generation stars under pressure in overseas conditions.
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