India scored 310/5 after 85 overs of bowling on Wednesday.
India dropped to 211/5 after being 208/3 at one point.
To ensure that India didn’t lose another wicket, Shubman Gill and Ravindra Jadeja batted carefully after that.
India’s Day 1 at Headingley saw a blend of patience, class, and resilience—headlined by Shubman Gill’s majestic century.
India had a shaky start as KL Rahul departed early, putting pressure on the visitors. However, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Karun Nair stitched a crucial 80-run partnership, steadying the innings. Just before lunch, Nair was dismissed, leaving India at 95/2.
Shubman Gill joined Jaiswal, and the two took India forward with a mix of aggression and control. Jaiswal looked solid, crafting a beautiful 87-run knock laced with 13 boundaries, before falling in the second session. India reached 182/3 at tea.
Post-tea, it was Gill’s time to shine.
Gill Converts His Start into a Glorious Hundred
With wickets falling at the other end—Rishabh Pant and Nitish Reddy departed in quick succession—Gill stood tall, showing maturity and flair. His effort was rewarded as he brought up a fine Test century, his second hundred on Day 1 of a Test in England—a feat no other Indian batter has achieved twice, according to Cricbuzz.
Gill, who now owns 7 Test centuries (4 vs England) and 7 fifties, crossed 2,140 runs in Test cricket, averaging over 38. Impressively, over 900 runs of these have come in away conditions. He also marked his second Test century in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia).
Jadeja Provides Stability with an Unbeaten Knock
Walking in at 211/5, Ravindra Jadeja was calm and composed. He partnered Gill in a 99-run unbeaten stand, ensuring India crossed the 300-run mark with authority. Jadeja remained not out on 41 off 67 balls, featuring 5 elegant boundaries.
Gill finished the day unbeaten on 114 off 216 deliveries, striking 12 fours in a gritty and fluent innings.
Key Stats from the Day
Gill becomes the first Indian to score two Day 1 Test centuries in England
4th Test century for Gill against England
7th overall Test century for Gill
Jaiswal’s 4th Test fifty vs England, averaging a remarkable 82.18 against them
Jaiswal now has 1,990 Test runs at 53.78, including 11 fifties and 3 centuries
India ends the day in a strong position, thanks to Gill’s class and Jadeja’s composure. Day 2 promises more action as the duo looks to extend the lead.