England vs India 1st Test: India rode on Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal's terrific centuries as India found themselves well placed at 359/3 on Day 1 of the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds on June 20. The innings was highlighted by scintillating centuries from both Yashasvi Jaiswal, who scored 101 runs, and the new captain Shubman Gill, who remained unbeaten on 127. Rishabh Pant also contributed significantly with a well-made half-century for the visiting team. This strong performance on Day 1 sent a clear message that the new-look Indian side, despite the absence of senior players, is a force to be reckoned with.
England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that would ultimately prove costly. Tasked with facing the new ball, openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal displayed commendable maturity, particularly in leaving deliveries outside the off stump. The duo quickly settled in, capitalizing on any loose bowling from England, who appeared to struggle for breakthroughs in the initial session. As a result, Jaiswal and Rahul forged a solid 91-run partnership for the first wicket. However, their progress was halted by Brydon Carse, who induced an edge from Rahul that was caught by Joe Root at second slip.
Just six balls later, debutant Sai Sudharsan had a disappointing start to his Test career, getting dismissed for a four-ball duck against Ben Stokes, as India went into the lunch break at 92 for two. In the second session, the spotlight turned to Shubman Gill, making his debut as the Test captain. Batting at number four for the first time in his career, a position previously held by his idol Virat Kohli, Gill rose to the occasion with great composure. After narrowly escaping a run-out early in his innings, he batted with strong determination, steadily building his innings and silencing any doubts. The India skipper reached his half-century off just 56 balls, playing some elegant shots along the way.
At the other end, Yashasvi Jaiswal also reached his half-century, playing a more supportive role to his captain initially. However, he soon accelerated his scoring rate, making rapid progress towards a century. Despite battling cramps in the 90s, Jaiswal was determined to reach the milestone and achieved it just before the tea break with a quick single, continuing his trend of scoring big in his maiden overseas Test innings. Unfortunately, he was dismissed shortly after, bowled by Ben Stokes from around the wicket. With India at 227 for three in the third session, England hoped to regain control with quick wickets as Rishabh Pant walked out to bat. Pant began his innings in his characteristic aggressive style, hitting Stokes for a boundary off just his second ball, leading to some light-hearted banter between the two players. However, Pant then showed restraint, playing quite uncharacteristically in an effort to consolidate India's strong start.
Meanwhile, at the other end, Shubman Gill also batted cautiously as he approached his maiden overseas century. Staying true to his pre-series ambition of being the best batsman, Gill batted with authority, finding gaps in the field with ease. He eventually reached his sixth Test century, etching his name in the record books as the fifth Indian captain to achieve this feat on his captaincy debut. He reached the milestone with a magnificent cover drive, a fitting tribute to the batsman he replaced in the batting order.