🏏 Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal Punish England’s Toss Decision with Day 1 Dominance in First Test
India’s new batting era got off to a thunderous start as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal blasted commanding centuries on Day 1 of the first Rothesay Test at Headingley, putting England on the back foot after a questionable toss decision by Ben Stokes.
📊 Match Summary: Day 1, 1st Test – Headingley
- India: 359-3 (90 overs)
- Shubman Gill: 127* (not out)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal: 101
- Rishabh Pant: 65*
- Ben Stokes: 2-43
- England: Yet to bat
- Toss: England won and chose to field
- Venue: Headingley, Leeds
- Series: 1st Test of a five-match series
🇮🇳 A New Era for Indian Cricket
With the legendary Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket, all eyes were on India’s younger generation—and they delivered in style. Shubman Gill, captaining India for the first time in Tests, rose to the occasion with a graceful 127*, while opener Yashasvi Jaiswal brought flair and aggression in his sparkling 101.
This performance may signal the start of a new golden era for Indian Test batting.
🧠 Did England Misread the Pitch?
England’s decision to bowl first raised eyebrows, especially given:
- Overhead heat and dry pitch conditions
- India’s deep and talented batting lineup
- England’s inexperienced bowling attack (Carse and Tongue unfamiliar with Headingley)
Despite Headingley’s history favoring teams that bowl first, this time it looked like a missed opportunity, especially with swing on offer being underutilized.
🧨 Key Moments of Day 1
🔹 1. Gill-Jaiswal Opening Partnership
Set the tone with controlled aggression, rotating strike, and punishing loose deliveries.
🔹 2. Jaiswal’s 101: Statement Innings
A mix of confident strokeplay and bold footwork. His second century against England in 18 months.
🔹 3. Shubman Gill’s Captain’s Knock
Mature beyond years, Gill showed patience, timing, and leadership. A captain’s innings under pressure.
🔹 4. England’s Struggle to Contain
Even with Stokes taking two wickets, England lacked rhythm. Their bowlers, especially Woakes and Tongue, failed to find consistency.
🌤️ Weather & Conditions Going Forward
Forecasts suggest overcast skies over the weekend—a potential edge for India’s fast bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. England’s batting on Day 2 could be tested if conditions shift in India’s favor. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal centuries vs England.
📈 Historical Context: India’s Quest in England
India hasn’t won a Test series in England since 2007. Despite the dominance of Kohli and Rohit, a series win eluded them. With this commanding start, Gill’s young team may finally rewrite history.
🧾 What’s Next?
- England’s 1st Innings begins Day 2 under pressure.
- Will they respond or crumble under India’s momentum and potential swing threat?
🏁 Conclusion
India’s performance on Day 1 at Headingley was nothing short of statement-making. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal have not only proven their leadership and talent, but also put India in a commanding position in this five-Test series. With 359-3 on the board, England has a mountain to climb and questions to answer about their toss strategy and bowling depth. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal centuries vs England.
🙋♂️ FAQs: Gill & Jaiswal Shine in 1st Test vs England – Day 1 at Headingley
❓Who scored centuries for India on Day 1 of the 1st Test vs England?
Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten 127* and Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 101 to lead India to a dominant start.
❓What was the final score at stumps on Day 1?
India finished Day 1 at 359/3 with Shubman Gill (127)* and Rishabh Pant (65)* at the crease.
❓Who won the toss in the Headingley Test?
England won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that came under scrutiny after India’s strong batting performance.
❓Why was Ben Stokes’ toss decision questioned?
Stokes chose to bowl despite favorable batting conditions, and England’s bowlers struggled, allowing India to dominate.
❓Who took wickets for England on Day 1?
Ben Stokes was England’s best bowler, taking 2 wickets for 43 runs.
❓How significant is this match for India?
This is the start of a five-Test series. With Gill captaining India and Kohli-Rohit retired, it’s a new era for Indian cricket, aiming to win their first series in England since 2007.
❓What are the weather conditions for the upcoming days?
The forecast suggests cloudy and humid conditions, which could favor Indian pacers like Jasprit Bumrah in the next innings.
