Date: June 20, 2025
Author: Najeeb Ustad
Venue: Headingley
Match: England vs India – 1st Test, Day 1
🇮🇳 India’s Powerful Day Out
up Day 1 of the first Test match between India and England at Headingley, India put up a dominant display. The Indian batting lineup surprised everyone with two brilliant hundreds from openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and recently anointed captain Shubman Gill on a surface that was supposed to help bowlers early on.
Ben Stokes, the captain of England, won the toss and chose to bowl first, hoping that the morning conditions would provide bounce and swing. The Indian hitters swiftly gained control, punishing any wayward deliveries and forming partnerships with ease as the pitch played true.
Yashasvi Jaiswal – 101 Runs (144 balls)
Yashasvi Jaiswal started confidently, piercing gaps and showing remarkable composure. Battling through cramps in the post-lunch session, he reached his third Test century – a brilliant innings laced with boundaries, balance, and grit. He became the first Asian opener to score three Test centuries in England, a testament to his class and consistency.
Shubman Gill – 127* Runs (175+ balls)
In his first Test captaincy, Shubman Gill performed admirably under duress, recording an undefeated century. His innings was characterized by deft strokeplay, quick running between wickets, and an eye for gaps. He became the fourth Indian skipper to hit a century in his Test captaincy debut, joining greats like Gavaskar and Kohli, thanks to his knock.
Strong Collaborations Create Momentum
• Gill and Rishabh Pant: 102* run stand till stumps; Jaiswal and Gill Partnership: 168 runs for the second wicket India maintained their lead throughout the day thanks to a strong 65* from wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who smashed boundaries and even a six in the last overs.
England’s Bowling: A Day to Forget
Ben Stokes persevered and took two vital wickets, but the bowling attack as a whole appeared weak:
• Brydon Carse made one early breakthrough but was unsupported. Both Josh Tongue and Chris Woakes had trouble staying consistent.
• The young spinner Shoaib Bashir struggled to find any rhythm or rotation.
•Indian batters were able to take advantage of England’s wasted opportunities, which included a near run-out and a dropped catch.
Score Summary – Day 1
India – 359/3 (85 overs)
Shubman Gill: 127*
Yashasvi Jaiswal: 101 Rishabh Pant: 65*
Ben Stokes: 2/43
As the Leeds Test progresses with intense drama, top-notch performances, and possible turning points, stay tuned for Day 2 updates!