India wanted to bowl first but was made to bat against England at Headingley — and it worked out well.
On Friday, India kicked off the five-Test series with a dominant 359-3 on Day 1, led by standout centuries from new captain Shubman Gill and opener Yashasvi Jaiswal.
Gill remained unbeaten on 127 in his first Test as captain — also his first century outside Asia — while Jaiswal scored 101, becoming the first Asian opener to make a Test hundred at Headingley. Both batters played faultless innings.
It was a stronger-than-expected beginning to a new chapter in Indian cricket, coming in their first Test in 14 years without retired stars Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, or Ravichandran Ashwin.
Gill’s performance came after a month of heightened attention following his appointment as India’s 37th Test captain. Meanwhile, left-hander Jaiswal battled through hand cramps and celebrated his century with passion.
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Captains are often targeted for their symbolic value, but Gill asserted his leadership with a poised, technically sound century — his sixth in Test cricket — as fans looked to his future with optimism.
Admittedly, conditions favored batting. The sun shone, humidity was high, and the pitch flattened out — likely the easiest setup India’s relatively inexperienced lineup will encounter in England.
England opted to bowl first, banking on early help from a green-tinted surface and recent stats: the last six Test wins at Headingley came after bowling first. However, the movement was minimal, and England struggled with accuracy. In the first hour, only 35% of deliveries hit the right line and length — the second-worst figure for England in a home Test opening session since 2019.
Their bowlers labored throughout the day, with all three main pacers conceding over 4.3 runs per over. Captain Ben Stokes, playing just his second competitive match of the year, was the most effective, finishing with 2-43.
England bowling coach Tim Southee commented, “The strength of this side is that things can be tough at times but they try not to get too caught up in the emotions of bad days.”
India’s openers Jaiswal and KL Rahul capitalized on wayward bowling with elegant off-side drives. England, eager for a breakthrough, burned a review on an lbw appeal against Jaiswal, though the ball pitched well outside leg stump.
Jaiswal’s only moment of discomfort came from a 145 kph (90 mph) delivery by Brydon Carse that struck his ribcage.
He and Rahul combined for 16 boundaries, all on the off side, before Rahul edged Carse to first slip just before lunch for 42. Joe Root took the catch — his 209th — placing him one short of Rahul Dravid’s all-time record for non-wicketkeepers.
Debutant Sai Sudharsan followed soon after, dismissed by Stokes after facing only five balls.
Gill and Jaiswal then steadied the innings in a productive, wicketless second session. On his first England tour, Jaiswal dominated the off side, with only 10 runs scored to the leg side.
While in the 80s, Jaiswal began cramping in both hands but only lingered in the 90s for six balls. He reached his century off 144 deliveries, which included 16 fours and a six that cleared deep point. He celebrated by twirling his helmet and punching the air — but was bowled for 101 by a sharp delivery from Stokes right after tea.
“I went after the loose balls,” Jaiswal said afterward. “Gill was amazing — calm and composed. It did swing, but I focused on sticking to my process and enjoying the moment.”
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Vice-captain Rishabh Pant joined Gill and initially played with restraint as Shoaib Bashir tightened one end. However, as the final session wore on and the bowlers tired, the pair accelerated.
Gill brought up his century with his 14th boundary, reaching the milestone in 140 balls, celebrating with a yell and bow to the dressing room. A six over fine leg carried him past 2,000 Test runs. Pant soon followed with his 22nd Test fifty, off 91 balls, also crossing 3,000 Test runs. He finished the day on 65 not out, having hit two sixes late on to excite India’s supporters.
India ended the day in full control, marking a strong start to their new era.