Headingley Havoc: India’s Masterclass in Leeds on the First Day

Few could have predicted that England’s audacious choice to field would backfire so badly when captain Ben Stokes shouted ‘Heads’ on a sunny June morning at Headingley. India took complete control of the first Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy after amassing 359/3 by stumps.

The visitors appeared completely at home on English soil from the very first ball. With his signature cover drives breaching the off-side cordon, Shubman Gill, making his debut as Test captain, strolled to the crease with calm authority. After Virat Kohli in Adelaide in 2014, he became the second Indian to reach a century on his captaincy debut with an incredible 127 not out off 175 balls.

India’s opening pair, which included the in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal, set the stage with a 100-run partnership until Stokes struck to dismiss Jaiswal for 101, his first Test century on English soil. England’s bowlers were baffled by Jaiswal’s fluid stroke play, which kept the scoreboard moving, particularly over mid-wicket and cover.

Following the breakthrough, Gill was joined by Rishabh Pant, who led the late session. India passed the 350-run mark because of his dazzling 65(102), which featured bold sweeps and a cheeky dash down the pitch. By teatime, Pant and Gill had strengthened India’s lead with an additional 123 runs without a loss.

England’s attack never quite bounced back. Seamers Chris Woakes and Josh Tongue battled for consistency, with the exception of a few late goals from Brydon Care and the occasional bounce from Shoaib Bashir. The morale of England was further damaged when Joe Root’s deflected attempt rolled into a helmet on the outfield, giving India five penalty runs under a little-known rule.

The Reason India Shined Today

• Calm Leadership: Gill’s perfect century demonstrated his maturity as a captain and batter.
• Opening Prowess: Jaiswal’s pace and ferocity demonstrated why he is now a mainstay in international Test matches.
• Depth of Batting: India’s middle order appears poised to make more money thanks to Pant’s counterattacking knock.

What’s Up Next

England has to get back together fast because they might need to change their seam attack or add spin. With a dominant position, India might decide to take advantage of the French conditions by increasing their lead before England bats again or applying pressure with early wickets.

Stay with us for daily updates, tactical insights, and expert analysis throughout this epic five‑Test series. Bookmark this space—because after Day One, it’s clear: India’s Headingley story is only just beginning.