Author: Akshay Published Date: 21 June 2025
India’s Batting Masterclass Stuns Headingley
England won the toss and rolled the dice – bowling first under sunny Leeds skies. By stumps, that gamble had backfired spectacularly. India finished Day 1 at a dominant 359/3, fueled by centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal (101) and debutant skipper Shubman Gill (127*), plus Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 65.
🏏 Session Snapshot
AM: India 92/2 (Jaiswal 55*)
PM: India 221/3 (Gill 67*)
EVE: India 359/3 (Gill 127, Pant 65)
Morning Session: Jaiswal Sets the Tone
England’s pace attack (Woakes, Carse, Tongue, Stokes) found early movement but no breakthroughs. Jaiswal and KL Rahul (42) piled on 91 runs before Carse struck twice:
- Rahul was caught behind chasing the width (42)
- Sai Sudharsan trapped LBW next over (6)
Jaiswal remained unflappable, driving confidently to reach 55* at lunch.
Post-Lunch: History-Making Centuries
Jaiswal’s Landmark:
The left-hander became the first Asian opener to score a Headingley Test century, blending patience with punchy boundaries. His 101 ended post-tea when Stokes jagged one back to clip off the stumps.
Gill’s Statement:
Promoted to captaincy after Rohit’s retirement, Gill carved his maiden overseas Test ton – a chanceless 127* marked by crisp cover drives and textbook defence. His celebration (a roaring fist-pump) said it all: India had a new leader.
Evening Onslaught: Pant Joins the Party
With Jaiswal gone, England hoped for respite. Instead, Pant walked in and unleashed:
- 65* off 79 balls
- 9 fours, 1 six
- 138* partnership with Gill at 5.3 runs/over
England’s attack looked toothless beyond Stokes (2/43). Spinner Shoaib Bashir (0/58) contained but couldn’t threaten.
England’s Missteps
Questionable Toss Call:
Michael Vaughan called the bowling first “staggering” on a batting-friendly pitch. The expected swing never materialized after the first hour.
Bowling Breakdown:
| Bowler | Figures | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ben Stokes | 14-3-43-2 | Only consistent threat |
| Brydon Carse | 14-1-78-1 | Faded after early wickets |
| Spinners | 0/116 | Zero penetration |
Day 1 Heroes
⭐ Yashasvi Jaiswal (101):
Broke Headingley’s “Asian opener curse” with fearless strokeplay.
⭐ Shubman Gill (127*):
Captain’s knock: technically perfect, emotionally charged.
⭐ Rishabh Pant (65*):
Demoralized England with a trademark counterattack.
What’s Next for Day 2?
India’s Goal:
Push toward 550+. Gill (127) and Pant (65) will eye quick runs before unleashing Jadeja.
England’s Hope:
New ball burst before 80 overs. Anything less than 3 wickets in the first session could end the contest.
Pitch Watch:
Still true for batting. Reverse swing/spin may play late on Day 2.
Final Take
India landed a knockout punch on Day 1. Jaiswal’s historic ton, Gill’s captaincy statement, and Pant’s fireworks left England chasing shadows. With the sun set on Headingley, England’s hopes now rest on a miraculous morning comeback.
🔥 Stat to Ponder
Teams batting first at Headingley win 65% of Tests when passing 350 in first innings. History favors India.
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