IND vs ENG: Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal hit tons as young India show class and resolve to silence doubters

India Dominate Day 1 of Test Match Against England with Centuries from Jaiswal and Gill

Headingley, a ground steeped in history, witnessed a display of youthful exuberance as India took control on the first day of the Test match against England. A capacity crowd, including cricket legends Dickie Bird and Geoffrey Boycott, watched Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill stamp their authority with impressive centuries.

India's Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

Jaiswal, playing his first Test innings in England, reached his fifth Test century just before tea. Gill's sixth century was a masterclass in combining elegance and composure.

Gill also achieved a personal milestone, becoming only the fourth Indian to score a century in his first Test innings as captain. Their combined efforts propelled India to a commanding 359-3 at the close of play, positioning them to dictate the course of the match.

Solid Opening Partnership

After struggling with opening partnerships in recent Test series, India found stability in Jaiswal and KL Rahul. Facing an England attack that lacked its usual bite, the pair demonstrated patience and discipline, leaving deliveries outside off-stump.

Despite the pressure, Jaiswal and Rahul were not merely defensive. They punished loose balls and forged a 91-run partnership. Rahul (42) was dismissed, caught at first slip attempting a drive off Brydon Carse.

Sai Sudharsan's dismissal for a duck briefly gave England hope. However, Gill's arrival quickly quelled any momentum the hosts had gained.

Gill Leads from the Front

The England bowlers struggled to contain Gill and Jaiswal, who batted flawlessly through the second session. Gill, who had previously struggled with rash shots early in his innings in England, displayed remarkable restraint. His trademark off-side punches were a highlight of the day's play.

Jaiswal battled through cramps to reach his century, his celebration reflecting the significance of the achievement.

Jaiswal's eventual dismissal, to a delivery from Ben Stokes, did little to halt India's progress. The 129-run partnership had put India in a dominant position. Gill and Rishabh Pant (65 batting) continued to pile on the runs as the pitch eased out.

Gill reached his century with an elegant off-drive and then unleashed his aggressive white-ball game, leaving England facing a daunting task over the remaining four days.