As the third session on Day 1 between India and England marches on, India’s middle order looked in assured hands with the combined efforts of Rishabh Pant and captain Shubman Gill. Jaiswal, who has rapidly become England’s new Test nemesis, notched up a sparkling 101 off 159 balls — his fifth Test ton and third against the English — to lay a solid platform for India. His dismissal, however, came at a crucial time: England captain Ben Stokes produced a timely breakthrough, trapping the left-hander and celebrating a much-needed scalp after plenty of work under the Leeds sun. In walked Pant at No. 5, and he wasted no time announcing his arrival. Facing Stokes for his second ball, Pant drilled a full delivery straight back past the England skipper for a scorching boundary. The shot drew an instant laugh from Stokes, who couldn’t help but find laugh at Pant’s aggressive greeting. Pant, however, appeared to show little to no reaction. Since then, Pant has kept the energy high in the middle, regularly chatting with Gill between overs. In one such stump mic moment, Pant was heard telling Gill, “Gilly, ball ban gaya hai. Banaya hai inhone abhi…” – a remark hinting that England’s bowlers have now got the ball to reverse swing, adding an extra layer of challenge on a pitch that still has good pace and carry.
Gill, who earlier stitched a crucial stand with Jaiswal, looked equally composed as he guided India’s innings alongside Pant. Together, the pair will aim to capitalise on the foundation built by Jaiswal’s ton and keep India firmly in charge as the visitors look to start their new era in Test cricket with a statement performance in foreign soil.
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With Pant in the mood and Gill anchoring calmly, India’s intent to control Day 1 remains clear.
