Jaiswal and Gill score centuries to give India a strong start in their new Test chapter
Jaiswal and Gill score centuries to give India a strong start in their new Test chapter
India made a strong start to their first Test series without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill hit centuries on Day 1 of the first Test against England at Headingley. KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant also chipped in with key contributions.
India’s new era in Test cricket couldn’t have asked for a better beginning. On a sun-drenched day at Headingley, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill the two brightest stars of India’s next generation lit up the opening day with stunning centuries that not only put India in a commanding position but also sent a clear message: the future is already here.
With stalwarts like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having stepped away from the longest format, there were questions about who would step up to fill those massive shoes. Jaiswal and Gill answered emphatically. India ended Day 1 at 359 for 3, with Gill unbeaten on 127 and Rishabh Pant blazing away at 65 not out, while Jaiswal had earlier crafted a fluent 101.
Jaiswal, opening the innings, was elegance personified. His knock was a masterclass in off-side play all 17 of his boundaries, including a six over cover, came on that side of the wicket. He raced from 50 to 100 in just 48 balls, showing the kind of acceleration that can break the back of any bowling attack. Despite taking a blow to the ribs and facing some sharp deliveries, he remained composed and confident, reaching his fifth Test century and his first in England with a flurry of boundaries.
At the other end, Gill, captaining India in a Test for the first time, played with the poise of a seasoned leader. Taking over the No. 4 spot from Kohli, he looked completely at ease, pacing his innings beautifully. He brought up his fastest Test fifty in just 56 balls and later reached his sixth Test hundred his first outside Asia with a crisp cover drive. His celebration, a bow to his teammates on the balcony, was a quiet nod to the responsibility he now carries.
Their 129-run partnership for the third wicket was the backbone of India’s innings. It came after a solid 91-run opening stand between Jaiswal and KL Rahul, who made a composed 42 before edging one to slip. Debutant B Sai Sudharsan, unfortunately, fell for a duck, gloving a leg-side delivery to the keeper off Ben Stokes just before lunch.
England’s bowlers, despite helpful conditions early on, struggled to make an impact. Stokes was the pick of the attack, dismissing both Sudharsan and Jaiswal, but the rest of the bowling unit lacked consistency. Brydon Carse bowled with pace and bounce, but overstepped on a delivery that could have trapped Jaiswal lbw. Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue were largely ineffective, and Shoaib Bashir, though economical, couldn’t break through.
After Jaiswal’s dismissal, Rishabh Pant walked in and immediately made his presence felt. He smashed his second ball for four and later launched a towering six over long-on. His unbeaten 65 off 102 balls was a mix of aggression and control, and his 122-run stand with Gill ensured India ended the day firmly on top.
What stood out most was the intent with which India batted. Unlike previous tours where caution often dominated, this time the batters looked to score, to dominate, and to set the tone. It was a refreshing change, and one that reflects the mindset of this new-look team.
As Day 2 approaches, India will look to build on this strong foundation. With Gill still at the crease and Pant in full flow, a massive first-innings total is on the cards. For England, it’s back to the drawing board they’ll need something special to claw their way back into this match.