India Dominates Day 1 of First Test Against England with Stellar Performances

India's Strong Start in the First Test

Leeds [UK] June 20: A remarkable century from debut captain Shubman Gill, alongside a brilliant ton from Yashasvi Jaiswal, propelled India to a commanding score of 359/3 at the end of Day 1 in the first Test against England at Headingley on Friday.

Jaiswal set the stage with an impressive 101 runs off 159 balls, which included sixteen boundaries and a six. Following his innings, Gill showcased his leadership with an unbeaten 127 runs, demonstrating exceptional composure and skill. His innings featured sixteen fours and a six during his 175-ball stay, marking India's highest first-day total in a Test match on English soil.

Vice-captain Rishabh Pant contributed significantly, remaining not out on 65 from 102 balls, with six fours and two sixes, forming a solid partnership of 138 runs with Gill.

In achieving this feat, Gill surpassed the 2,000-run milestone in Test cricket, while Pant crossed the 3,000-run mark.

Jaiswal, who played a crucial role early in the innings, was dismissed shortly after Tea by England's captain Ben Stokes, who claimed 2 wickets for 43 runs. The only other wicket for England came from Brydon Carse, who finished with figures of 1/70.

India's total of 359 runs eclipsed their previous best opening-day score in England, which was 338/7 at Edgbaston in 2022. The last time a visiting team scored as many runs on Day 1 in England was South Africa's 362/4 at The Oval in 2003.

As Gill and Pant continue their innings, India aims to build on their lead on Day 2, while England will be eager for early breakthroughs to regain momentum in the match.

Earlier in the day, Jaiswal and KL Rahul established a solid opening partnership of 91 runs.

Jaiswal and Rahul's impactful performances helped India finish the first session of Day 1 at 92/2.

England managed to break the Indian opening partnership just before Lunch, with KL Rahul falling short of a half-century, scoring 42 runs.

In the second session, Gill and Jaiswal added 123 runs off 154 balls, with England bowlers struggling to take a wicket.

Sai Sudharsan was dismissed for a duck after facing just four balls, falling to Ben Stokes.

Brief scores: India 359/3 (Shubman Gill 127, Yashasvi Jaiswal 101; Ben Stokes 2/43) vs England.