Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal Smash Centuries to Dominate England on Day 1 of 1st Test, Leeds 2025

On June 20, 2025, Indian cricket fans witnessed a masterclass in batting as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal smashed sensational centuries on Day 1 of the 1st Test against England at Headingley, Leeds. The duo’s dominant performance laid a solid foundation for India in the opening match of the five-Test series, marking the start of a new era in Indian Test cricket under Gill’s captaincy. This SEO-optimized article dives into the highlights of their centuries, key moments of the match, and what it means for India’s 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) campaign.

Jaiswal’s Historic Century: A Record-Breaking Knock

Yashasvi Jaiswal, the 23-year-old left-handed opener, set Headingley ablaze with a fluent 101 off 159 balls, including 16 boundaries and 1 six. His fifth Test century was a historic milestone, as he became the first Indian opener to score a century at Headingley. Jaiswal’s knock was a blend of aggression and composure, anchoring India’s innings after a solid 91-run opening partnership with KL Rahul (42). Despite losing Rahul and debutant Sai Sudharsan (0) before lunch, Jaiswal held firm, guiding India to 92/2 at the break.

Jaiswal’s century was not just about runs but also about rewriting records. He joined an elite list of Indian batters, including Murali Vijay and Sourav Ganguly, who scored centuries in their maiden Test innings in England. His disciplined approach against England’s pace attack, led by Ben Stokes and Brydon Carse, showcased his ability to thrive in challenging conditions. Social media erupted with praise, with fans calling him a “persistent headache for England’s bowlers”.

Shubman Gill’s Captain’s Knock: A Milestone Century

India’s newly appointed Test captain, Shubman Gill, led from the front with a fiery 112 off 145 balls*, marking his sixth Test century and his first as captain. Gill’s knock was a statement of intent, as he became the fourth Indian skipper to score a century on his Test captaincy debut, joining legends like Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar, and Virat Kohli. His elegant strokeplay, including a trademark boundary off Josh Tongue to reach the milestone, silenced doubters and set the tone for India’s dominance.

Batting at No. 4, Gill stitched a 129-run partnership with Jaiswal, steadying the innings after early setbacks. His aggressive approach, with a strike rate resembling ODI cricket, kept England’s bowlers under pressure. By the close of play, Gill remained unbeaten, guiding India to a commanding 350/3 in 82 overs, alongside Rishabh Pant (45*).

Key Moments from Day 1: India’s Dominance

• Solid Start: Jaiswal and KL Rahul’s 91-run opening stand frustrated England’s bowlers, with Jaiswal targeting loose deliveries from Stokes and Carse.
• Late Strikes Before Lunch: England fought back with two quick wickets, dismissing Rahul (42) and debutant Sai Sudharsan (0) to leave India at 92/2.
• Gill-Jaiswal Partnership: The duo’s 129-run stand in the second session swung momentum back to India, with both batters reaching their centuries.
• Pant’s Aggression: Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten 45, including a boundary off Stokes, ensured India ended the day on a high.
• England’s Struggle: Despite Stokes’ two wickets, England’s bowling attack, missing key pacers like Mark Wood and Olly Stone, lacked penetration.

Why This Match Matters for India

The 1st Test at Headingley marks the beginning of India’s 2025-27 WTC cycle and the Shubman Gill era, following the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With recent setbacks, including a 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand and a 1-3 defeat in Australia, India are eager to reclaim their dominance in Test cricket. Gill and Jaiswal’s centuries signal a promising start, proving that India’s young batting lineup is ready to step out of the shadows of their predecessors.

Jaiswal, already a standout performer with 1,798 Test runs at an average of 52.88, is closing in on the 2,000-run milestone, needing just 202 more runs. Gill, with 1,893 runs in 32 Tests, is 107 runs shy of 2,000 and is poised to lead India’s batting charge. Their performances in Leeds have set the stage for a thrilling series, with India aiming for their first Test series win in England in 18 years.

Social Media Buzz: Fans Celebrate Gill and Jaiswal

Fans on X went wild as Jaiswal and Gill lit up Headingley. Posts hailed their “pure dominance” and “zero fear,” with one user calling their partnership “calm, confident, and full of promise”. Another praised Jaiswal’s “sheer timing and great shot-making,” urging him to “make it big”. The duo’s performance was seen as a glimpse of “the present and future of Indian cricket”.

What’s Next for India vs England?

With India at 350/3 at stumps, Day 2 promises more fireworks as Gill and Pant look to build on their partnership. England, led by Ben Stokes, will aim to strike early, but their inexperienced bowling attack faces an uphill battle. The five-match series, part of the 2025-27 WTC, will see India play at Edgbaston, Lord’s, Old Trafford, and The Oval, with Gill and Jaiswal expected to be key to India’s success.

Conclusion

Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s centuries on Day 1 of the 1st Test against England in Leeds have set the tone for an exciting series. Their fearless batting, combined with a solid team performance, has put India in a commanding position. As the young brigade takes center stage, Indian cricket fans have every reason to be optimistic about the future. Stay tuned for more updates from the India vs England Test series 2025!

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