India Dominates England on Day One of Test Series with Stellar Performances

On the opening day of the Test series against England, India's Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a brilliant century, while captain Shubman Gill added a stylish fifty. The duo's partnership propelled India to a strong position at 215 for two at tea. Jaiswal's disciplined approach and Gill's elegant strokes captivated the audience, setting the tone for the series. Despite some challenges, the Indian batsmen capitalized on the England bowlers' inconsistencies, making for an impressive start to the long tour. Read on for a detailed recap of the day's action.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 20, 2025, 21:45 IST

India's Strong Start in the Opening Test

Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased his talent with a remarkable century, while captain Shubman Gill contributed a stylish fifty, propelling India to a commanding score of 215 for two at tea on the first day of the opening Test in the five-match series against England on Friday.

Despite their contrasting styles, both Gill (58 not out) and Jaiswal (100 not out) excelled during a solid 123-run partnership for the third wicket.

Jaiswal reached his fifth Test century off 144 balls, while Gill secured his eighth half-century in just 56 deliveries during his debut as India's Test captain, highlighting their unique approaches throughout the innings.

For England, Jaiswal's innings may signal a repeat of his impressive 712-run series against them in India last year.

Unlike his usual aggressive play, Jaiswal displayed commendable restraint, particularly against deliveries outside the off-stump.

Having faced challenges in that area during recent matches with India A against the England Lions, the 23-year-old avoided repeating those errors.

The England bowlers struggled to find their rhythm on a flat pitch, providing the Indian batsmen with numerous scoring opportunities.

Even while maintaining a cautious approach, Jaiswal produced some stunning shots, including a crisp off-drive against pacer Josh Tongue and a well-placed six off the same bowler.

Gill, maintaining his usual batting style, executed shots with minimal follow-through on the on-side and with flair on the off-side.

The crowd was captivated by Gill's elegant off-drive against Chris Woakes, followed by a delightful clip off his pads for a boundary, as England's second most experienced bowler conceded nearly five runs per over in the first two sessions.

Jaiswal celebrated his century with a single off Brydon Carse after hitting consecutive boundaries through point and cover, marking the achievement with a joyful leap.

Earlier, openers KL Rahul (42) and Jaiswal provided India with a solid foundation, accumulating 91 runs to counter England's new ball attack on a mostly sunny day, although the bowlers did find some assistance with movement and carry.

However, the conditions were not challenging enough to trouble the Indian batsmen significantly.

Jaiswal began the day with a beautiful drive through mid-off off Woakes, while Rahul executed a series of exquisite drives through covers against Carse and Tongue, resulting in an impressive 16 boundaries in the first session.

Rahul, returning to the opening slot after Rohit Sharma's retirement, displayed his usual solidity and technical skill until he fell to a loose drive off Carse, leading to a catch by Joe Root at slip.

Root (209) is now just one catch shy of matching former Indian captain Rahul Dravid's record of 210 catches in Test cricket.

Debutant B Sai Sudharsan faced only four balls before departing without scoring, but these minor setbacks did not overshadow an otherwise flawless day for India.