Such a miracle happened for the first time in England, the pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill created new history

The opening day of the first Test match between India and England at Headingley turned into a memorable one for Indian cricket, as openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and captain Shubman Gill delivered sensational performances with the bat. Both cricketers scored centuries, steering India to a dominant position with a total of 359 runs for the loss of just three wickets at stumps. Jaiswal dazzled with a composed and stylish innings of 101 runs, while Gill remained unbeaten at the crease with a masterful 127. Adding to the fireworks was vice-captain Rishabh Pant, who played an aggressive unbeaten knock of 65 runs, setting the tone for a commanding Indian performance.

The day began with England winning the toss and opting to bowl, hoping to make early inroads into the Indian lineup with the overcast conditions at Leeds. However, Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul got off to a steady and confident start. The duo stitched together a solid 91-run partnership for the first wicket, defying the English bowlers and blunting the new ball. Rahul looked in good touch before falling for 42 runs. Following his dismissal, debutant Sai Sudharsan was unable to make an impact, being dismissed for a duck. At 91 for 2, India needed a stabilizing partnership, and that came in the form of Jaiswal and Shubman Gill.

Jaiswal, known for his resilience and technique, was tested physically during his innings. Close to reaching his century, he was struck on the hand by a sharp delivery. In visible discomfort, Jaiswal continued to bat with grit and determination, eventually reaching his fifth Test century. His effort was not just an individual achievement but a symbol of India's fighting spirit. His partnership of 129 runs with Gill was pivotal in rebuilding India's innings after the fall of two wickets.

Shubman Gill, leading India for the first time in a Test match, showcased maturity beyond his years. He batted with elegance and control, using his timing and footwork effectively against both pace and spin. Gill’s century marked his first as captain and made him only the fourth Indian captain to score a century in his debut Test as skipper. With every stroke, he built pressure on the English bowlers and ensured that India remained in command. His unbeaten 127-run innings was a blend of calm leadership and fluent strokeplay, sending a strong message about his potential as a long-term Test captain.

One of the most historic aspects of the day was the dual centuries by Jaiswal and Gill. It was the first time in the 93-year history of Indian Test cricket that two Indian batsmen scored centuries on the first day of a Test match on English soil. Globally, this feat has been achieved only twice before by Indian batsmen — in 2001, when Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag both scored centuries on the first day in South Africa, and in 2017, when Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara repeated the feat against Sri Lanka.

As the sun set on Day 1, India had not only posted an imposing total but had also made a powerful statement at the beginning of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. With Gill still at the crease, Pant in fine form, and more batting to come, India looked well set to build on their strong start. England, on the other hand, faced the challenge of bouncing back on Day 2, needing early wickets to claw their way back into the game. But for now, it was a day that belonged to India, and especially to Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill — two young stars who lit up Headingley with history-making centuries.