India vs England 1st Test 2025: Gill, Jaiswal and Pant Power India to Commanding Day 1 Total at Headingley
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India Lights Up Headingley: Full Day 1 Review
The India England 2025 Test series began with fireworks as India’s batting lineup dominated the Day 1 action at Headingley. On June 20 in Leeds, India posted a commanding Headingley Test score of 359/3, announcing their intentions loud and clear. Spearheaded by Gill and Jaiswal’s Leeds centuries, the visitors looked anything but nervous in English conditions.
In his captaincy debut, Shubman Gill led from the front with an unbeaten 127*, while Yashasvi Jaiswal scored his 5th century in Tests, reinforcing his class as a top-order dynamo. Later in the day, Rishabh Pant’s blistering 65 not out*—featuring his milestone of 3,000 Test runs—compounded England’s problems and highlighted India’s incredible depth.
Despite overcast skies and a seam-friendly forecast, England opted to bowl first, a move that quickly unraveled. What seemed like a calculated gamble turned into a strategic misstep as IND vs ENG Day 1 tilted heavily in India’s favor.
Session Overview – IND vs ENG Day 1 Breakdown
Morning Session: A Measured Start, Minor Stumble
In front of a buzzing Headingley crowd, openers KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal kicked off the India England 2025 Test with a steady, watchful approach. They negotiated early swing well, showing respect to England’s new-ball attack.
The tide briefly turned when Rahul fell for 42, and Sai Sudharsan, making his debut, departed for a duck. By lunch, India stood at 135/2, with Jaiswal nearing a half-century and Gill settling in—poised for one of the most memorable Leeds centuries in recent times.
Afternoon Session: Jaiswal’s Grit, Gill’s Grace
The post-lunch phase belonged to Yashasvi Jaiswal, who reached his 5th Test century, battling not just England’s bowlers but also muscle cramps. His ability to grind out runs displayed the temperament of a long-term mainstay in India’s top order.
On the other end, Shubman Gill, making his captaincy debut, oozed class. His strokeplay was elegant, and he reached his half-century with ease. The third-wicket partnership crossed 150 runs by tea, crushing England’s early optimism.
Evening Session: Pant’s Power Surge, Gill’s Century
After tea, Jaiswal finally fell for 101, caught at slip trying to push the tempo. The crowd at Headingley rose to applaud one of the finest India centuries in England in recent history.
Gill, unbothered, continued serenely. He brought up his century on debut as Test captain, becoming just the third Indian ever to do so.
Then came Rishabh Pant, whose aggressive 65* included nine fours and three sixes. In the process, he also reached 3,000 Test runs, joining an elite group of Indian wicketkeepers behind only MS Dhoni. His attacking style pushed India to 359/3 by stumps, leaving England shell-shocked.
Tactical Breakdown – What Went Right and Wrong
England’s Risky Call Backfires
Ben Stokes, looking to exploit overcast conditions, chose to bowl first—a move that defined IND vs ENG Day 1. But the Headingley Test pitch played truer than expected, and India’s batters cashed in. The decision was widely criticized by former players, some labeling it “a premature gamble.”
India’s Calm and Calculated Approach
India’s batters approached Day 1 with discipline. Jaiswal let the ball go outside off-stump early, building a base for his 5th century. Gill, playing his first innings as captain, was patient yet punishing. The entire batting unit displayed intelligent shot selection and alert running between the wickets.
Star Performers – Gill, Jaiswal & Pant Shine
Yashasvi Jaiswal – 101 (173 balls)
- Composed and patient at the top.
- Marked his 5th Test century—a defining knock in the India England 2025 Test.
- Battled cramps but didn’t lose focus.
Shubman Gill – 127* (198 balls)
- Scored a classy ton on captaincy debut.
- One of the standout Gill Jaiswal Leeds centuries.
- Unbeaten and in complete control at stumps.
Rishabh Pant – 65* (57 balls)
- Played a trademark counterattacking innings.
- Reached 3,000 Test runs, a significant milestone.
- Ensured India ended IND vs ENG Day 1 with momentum firmly in hand.
Scorecard Summary – Headingley Test Score
| Batsman | Runs | Balls | 4s | 6s | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KL Rahul | 42 | 71 | 5 | 0 | c Foakes b Carse |
| Yashasvi Jaiswal | 101 | 173 | 12 | 1 | c Root b Stokes |
| Sai Sudharsan | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | lbw b Carse |
| Shubman Gill | 127* | 198 | 16 | 1 | Not Out |
| Rishabh Pant | 65* | 57 | 9 | 3 | Not Out |
Extras: 24
Total: 359/3 (85 overs)
Historical Context – A Day for the Record Books
- This is India’s highest Day 1 score in England since 1974.
- Gill and Jaiswal’s centuries at Leeds marked the first time two Indians scored tons on Day 1 of a Test in England.
- Rishabh Pant became just the second Indian wicketkeeper after MS Dhoni to reach 3,000 Test runs.
What’s Next in the India England 2025 Test?
For England, the strategy must shift. With no James Anderson or Jofra Archer, their attack lacked variety and bite. The spinners didn’t trouble the Indians either.
India, on the other hand, looks poised for a mammoth first-innings total. If Pant continues to fire, and with players like Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel waiting in the wings, a 500+ Headingley Test score is well within reach.