Although Jaiswal’s century had some tense moments, Gill’s innings appeared smoother, with the captain displaying a consistent sense of control throughout. It was the perfect follow-up of the start given by the openers earlier in the day.
The Yashasvi Jaiswal Show
Yashasvi Jaiswal has accomplished what no other batsman in cricket’s history has managed to achieve. Even greats like Viv Richards, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers couldn’t manage to do so. Batters from various eras and teams have tried, but none have come close to accomplishing Jaiswal’s achievement. The India opener scored his fifth Test century in the first match of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley in Leeds on Friday.
This marked Jaiswal’s fifth Test century overall, his third against England, and his first in England on his initial attempt. In the process, Jaiswal became the first overseas batter to score centuries on his debut Test in both England and Australia.
The 23-year-old Indian cricketer had scored 161 in his debut Test in Australia (Perth) during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. On Friday, he achieved his first Test century in England on his initial try. Jaiswal’s century came amid significant worries regarding the efficacy of India’s modern batting lineup in foreign conditions following the departures of icons Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
Jaiswal displayed immense discipline, particularly toward balls in the channel outside off, a region where he had difficulties in the previous matches. His century was achieved in 144 balls, including 16 boundaries, showcasing both moments of exceptional timing and resolute defense. Even with some cramping late in the session, he stayed calm, reaching his hundred with a precise single following consecutive boundaries off Carse.
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Gill’s Captain’s Knock
Shubman Gill’s first day as India’s Test captain commenced on a remarkable note as the 25-year-old impressively scored his sixth Test century against England on the first day of the test at Headingley.
Following Rohit Sharma’s retirement, Gill was selected for the role of captain. If there were any doubts regarding his poor overseas record as a batter, Gill dispelled them by scoring just his second Test century away from India. At 25 years and 285 days, Gill ranks as the fourth youngest, following Herbie Taylor, Alastair Cook, and Steven Smith, to hit a century in his debut match as captain. He is the 23rd player to score a century in his first innings as captain. He is the fourth Indian to accomplish this after Vijay Hazare, Sunil Gavaskar, and Virat Kohli.
Hundreds in debut innings as India’s Test captain
Vijay Hazare- 164* vs Eng, Delhi 1951
Sunil Gavaskar- 116 vs NZ, Auckland 1976
Virat Kohli- 115 vs Aus, Adelaide 2014
Shubman Gill- 127* vs Eng, Headingley 2025
Meanwhile, India is set to enter a new phase in Test cricket without its key batsmen, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who left the format last month. India has brought in fresh talent and new expertise to cover the void created by the exit of the two experienced players.
