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India vs England 1st Test – India Dominates England on Opening Day at Headingley: Gill & Jaiswal Shine

On a bright morning at Headingley, Leeds, India launched their World Test Championship 2025 campaign with an emphatic batting display that left the hosts, England, searching for answers. Day 1 of the India vs England 1st Test turned into a celebration for Indian cricket fans as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal crafted brilliant centuries, setting the tone for what could be a memorable Test for the visitors.

Shubman Gill: The Captain Who Led From The Front

Taking charge as the Test captain for the first time, Shubman Gill shouldered the responsibility with poise and authority. Opting to bat first after winning the toss might have been an easy call on a dry Headingley surface, but Gill’s execution of that plan was flawless. By stumps, he remained unbeaten on a masterful 127, steering India to a commanding 359 for 3.

Gill’s knock was not just about runs—it was about calm intent, silky drives, and patience in the face of England’s probing spells. The young captain found gaps effortlessly, punished anything loose, and stitched crucial partnerships that blunted England’s hopes early on.

Yashasvi Jaiswal: Fighting Cramps & Critics

On the other end, Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased why he is regarded as one of India’s brightest young openers. His 101-run innings was an exhibition of grit and flair. Battling cramps midway, Jaiswal displayed maturity far beyond his years. His century marked the first by an Asian opener at this iconic venue—a stat that speaks volumes about the significance of his feat.

Fans will remember Jaiswal’s knock not just for the runs but for the way he countered England’s short-ball ploy. Pulls, hooks, and audacious cuts—he played them all with confidence, sending a clear message that this tour is going to be a battle England cannot afford to take lightly.

England’s Bowling Woes Continue

For Ben Stokes and his men, Day 1 was an exercise in frustration. Having elected to bowl first on what many expected to be a seam-friendly morning, the English pacers were rendered toothless by India’s top order. Chris Woakes, Josh Tongue, and Brydon Carse struggled for rhythm and consistency, while debutant Shoaib Bashir showed promise but lacked support at the other end.

Stokes himself managed to break the 89-run opening stand by dismissing KL Rahul for 32 and later removed Sai Sudharsan for 28. But apart from these two breakthroughs, England’s bowling lacked bite. They also handed India five bonus runs when a wayward throw struck a helmet placed carelessly behind the keeper—a rare and embarrassing lapse at this level.

Rishabh Pant Adds the Finishing Flourish

If England hoped to restrict India to under 300 by stumps, Rishabh Pant had other ideas. Walking in after Jaiswal’s dismissal, Pant wasted no time. His unbeaten 65 at stumps was punctuated with audacious sweeps and his trademark inside-out lofted drives, the highlight being a monstrous six off Woakes that sailed deep into the Western Terrace.

With Pant’s aggressive approach complementing Gill’s steady hand, India will be eyeing a mammoth first-innings score on Day 2.

Historic Numbers & Record Watch

Gill became the first Indian captain since Virat Kohli in 2014 to score a century in his debut match as skipper.
Jaiswal’s century made him the first Asian opener to reach three figures at Headingley—breaking a record that stood since the venue hosted its first Test in 1899.
The 170-run stand between Gill and Jaiswal laid a solid foundation that could prove decisive in this five-match series.

What Next For England?

Stokes and his bowlers have a mountain to climb. They must strike early on Day 2 if they wish to prevent India from running away with the game. With the pitch offering little movement and flattening out as the day progresses, the hosts might look to spin or reverse swing to claw back some control.

The onus will be on England’s experienced bowlers to extract discipline and precision under pressure—a test that could define their WTC 2025 aspirations this summer.

India’s Roadmap From Here

India, meanwhile, will aim to bat England out of the contest. If Gill and Pant can push the total towards 500, a declaration by the third session tomorrow isn’t out of the question. This will give India’s pace battery—led by Bumrah and Siraj—a formidable cushion to attack England’s fragile top order.

While cricket remains gloriously unpredictable, there’s no doubt that India has taken a commanding early lead in the psychological battle of this series.

Fans React: Social Media Erupts

Social platforms were flooded with celebratory posts as #GillCaptainCentury and #JaiswalTon trended worldwide. Former cricketers and fans alike hailed the duo’s maturity and flair. Many drew parallels with the Rahul Dravid–VVS Laxman era, praising this young generation for carrying the legacy forward in style.

Final Thoughts: India vs England 1st Test Day 1

At the close of Day 1, the scorecard reads India 359 for 3—a statement of intent if there ever was one. For the visiting team, this day might just be the first domino in a series that could well define this new leadership era under Shubman Gill.

Cricket lovers can’t wait for Day 2, which promises more runs, thrilling counterattacks, and perhaps a fightback from an England side cornered on home turf. Stay tuned to TrendyIndiaNews.com for all the latest updates, live scores, and expert analysis as this blockbuster series unfolds!