Sent in to bat by England skipper Ben Stokes, India closed the day at an imposing 359-3. The 25-year-old Gill remained unbeaten on 127, steering his side with composure and flair, while Jaiswal crafted a stylish 101, his fifth Test ton, continuing his reputation as one of India’s most exciting batting talents.
Earlier, KL Rahul and Jaiswal laid a solid foundation with a 91-run opening partnership. Although Rahul fell for 42 and debutant Sai Sudharsan was dismissed for a duck just before lunch, India’s third-wicket stand between Gill and Jaiswal regained momentum with elegant shot selection and calm application.
Jaiswal’s hundred came off 144 balls, laced with 16 boundaries, making him the rare Indian to notch centuries on debut, and in his first Tests in Australia and England. He eventually fell to a sharp delivery from Stokes, but the damage had been done.
Rishabh Pant then joined his captain and added to England’s misery with a counter-attacking unbeaten 65. His audacious six off Chris Woakes in the day’s final over summed up India’s confidence. The pair’s unbroken 138-run partnership left England’s weakened bowling attack — missing veterans Anderson and Broad and injury-hit quicks Archer and Wood — with no answers on a good batting surface under bright skies.
England bowling coach Tim Southee admitted it was a tough day but promised his side would aim to strike back on Day 2. Despite losing key seniors Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to retirement just weeks ago, India’s depth shone through as the new leadership group seized the moment to silence critics.
For Gill, the century was extra special — his first as Test captain and his sixth overall in just 33 Tests, underlining why he is regarded as the future of Indian cricket.
Earlier in the day, a minute’s silence was observed for the victims of an Air India crash in Ahmedabad. But once play began, India’s young guns gave the Headingley crowd plenty to applaud, signaling a brave new era that respects the old guard yet thrives on fresh ambition.
