The much-anticipated Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy began with a powerful statement from India’s next-gen batting duo, as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal struck commanding centuries to help the visitors dominate England on the opening day of the first Test at Headingley.
India finished the day on a commanding 359 for 3 in 85 overs, with Gill unbeaten on 127 and Rishabh Pant on 65 not out, following a superb century from Jaiswal earlier in the day.
Gill leads from the front
Newly appointed Test skipper Shubman Gill rose to the occasion with a captain’s knock — a polished 127 not out off 175 deliveries, becoming only the fifth Indian captain to score a hundred in his first Test as leader.
Displaying authority and grace, Gill weathered the early movement and later accelerated with elegance, driving fluently and dispatching loose deliveries with assurance.
Gill played amazingly — composed and calm — and batted really well. We were feeding off each other’s energy.
Jaiswal revels in English conditions
Yashasvi Jaiswal, who opened alongside KL Rahul, brought up his fifth Test hundred — and his first on English soil — with a composed 101 off 157 balls. The left-hander looked in control from the outset, showcasing his signature off-side play, cutting and driving England’s seamers with precision.
Very good, all did very well. Amazing to go out and bat and enjoy the English summer. I enjoyed playing the game and prepared very well. It did swing, but I trusted my process. I just watched the ball carefully and put away the loose deliveries.
Steady partnerships, wayward England
India were 91 for no loss before England struck twice in quick succession — Rahul (42) was bowled by Ben Stokes, and debutant B. Sai Sudharsan lasted just one delivery, caught behind for a duck. But the 129-run stand between Jaiswal and Gill steadied the innings, followed by an unbroken 139-run partnership between Gill and Pant, who batted with characteristic flair to remain unbeaten on 65 off 102 balls. The innings also saw Pant cross 3000 runs in Test cricket.
England’s bowling lacked bite in the absence of Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson. Their three wickets came through occasional brilliance — two by Stokes and one by Brydon Carse — but overall, the attack was erratic and unable to sustain pressure.
While questions before the match centred on how India’s young batting unit would handle English conditions, Gill and Jaiswal answered emphatically. Their poise, shot selection and partnerships have put India firmly in control heading into Day 2, with a massive total in sight and England already under pressure.
Brief Scores: India 359/3 in 85 overs (Shubman Gill 127*, Yashasvi Jaiswal 101, Rishabh Pant 65*; Ben Stokes 2-43, Brydon Carse 1-70) vs England.
