A Dominant Day for India at Headingley with Twin Centuries

Despite initial concerns over India’s batting in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the new generation dispelled all doubts on the opening day of the first Test at Headingley. Centuries from Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal laid a solid foundation against England, taking India to 359 for 3 at stumps.

England won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that backfired dramatically. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul gave India a strong and fluent start, scoring at a brisk pace.

While Rahul departed for 34, Jaiswal played a superb knock, showcasing his class even on foreign soil. He struck 17 boundaries en route to a sparkling 101. However, just after the tea break, he was bowled by a brilliant delivery from Ben Stokes.

Shubman Gill, leading India for the first time in Tests, led from the front with the bat. Though he looked slightly nervous early on, he soon settled and batted with confidence. He ended the day unbeaten on 127, fulfilling his pre-match promise to "dominate" with the bat.

Rishabh Pant, returning to the side after a long break, was back in his familiar attacking form. He joined Gill late in the day and remained not out on 65, playing some trademark aggressive strokes including multiple boundaries and sixes, signaling a strong comeback.

With the ball, England captain Ben Stokes was the most effective, picking up 2 wickets, while Brydon Carse claimed 1. The rest of the English bowlers struggled to make an impact, especially in their second spell with the new ball.

Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant will resume batting on Day 2, looking to pile on a big score. England now face the tough challenge of halting India’s batting momentum and clawing their way back into the match.