Headingley, Leeds – June 21: India closed Day 1 of the first Test against England in a position of strength, thanks to confident and mature innings from Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Rishabh Pant. With Gill and Pant still unbeaten at stumps, India looks primed to pile on a formidable total.
Speaking after play, former England pacer Stuart Broad said the home side had missed a crucial chance. “If Gill and Pant continue tomorrow, India could run away with the game,” he warned. Broad praised India’s ability to dictate the pace of play and praised the visitors for showing maturity beyond their years.
The day had started well for England with a couple of breakthroughs before lunch, but Jaiswal and Gill wrested control back in the second session. Jaiswal’s adaptability in unfamiliar conditions and Gill’s calm leadership proved vital as the pair steadied India after a minor wobble.
Broad acknowledged England’s full-length strategy was the right one at Headingley — a ground known to reward that approach — but credited India’s batsmen for countering it skillfully. “You’ll see a lot of drives in the highlights. It may look like poor bowling, but the truth is it was outstanding batting — late timing, good shot selection, and no panic,” he said.
Analyst Sanjay Manjrekar echoed the sentiment, pointing out that Gill’s hundred was not just timely but technically assured. “This was a day where India had everything to gain — and they made the most of it. From Jaiswal showing he’s not just a flat-track bully to Pant finding rhythm, it was all-round progress,” Manjrekar said.
As the stumps were drawn, India had not only dominated the scorecard but also seized the psychological edge. With the second new ball due early on Day 2, England will hope to regroup quickly. But as Broad noted, if India builds on this start, “the game could be out of reach.”
