Gill, Pant Set to Resume India’s Innings on Day 2

LEEDS: Yashasvi Jaiswal and newly appointed captain Shubman Gill exhibited excellent batting performances, each scoring centuries, thereby establishing a strong position for India on the first day of the Test match at Headingley on Friday.

England’s captain, Ben Stokes, elected to bowl first, a choice that proved unfavorable as the visiting team reached a score of 359/3 by the end of the day’s play.

The innings began steadily for the visitors, with Jaiswal and KL Rahul forming a partnership of 91 runs before it was broken in the 25th over.

Jaiswal and Rahul achieved a notable feat by becoming the first opening pair from an overseas team to bat for over 20 overs at this ground since Smith and Petersen did so in 2012, with their 37-over partnership.

Rahul’s innings concluded when he edged a delivery from Brydon Carse, directed wide of the off-stump, and was caught by Joe Root at first slip. He departed having scored 42 runs from 78 balls, which included eight boundaries.

India then encountered a further setback with Stokes dismissing debutant Sai Sudharsan (zero), caught behind, reducing the score to 92/2.

Following these quick dismissals, skipper Gill joined Jaiswal. Together, they batted with composure, solidifying India’s position in the match.

The duo constructed a partnership of 129 runs for the third wicket, during which Jaiswal achieved his fifth Test century just before the Tea interval.

However, the left-handed opener was dismissed by Stokes in the second over following the break, adding only one run to his score.

Jaiswal’s innings consisted of 101 runs from 159 deliveries, highlighted by 16 boundaries and a six.

Following Jaiswal’s exit, Gill paired with wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, continuing India’s dominance with an unbroken 138-run partnership for the fourth wicket.

At the day’s end, Gill remained undefeated with 127 runs, including 17 boundaries and a six, from 175 balls faced. Pant was also not out, having scored 65 from 102 balls.

For England, Stokes claimed two wickets, while Carse took one.