How Did Jaiswal’s Century and Gill’s Fifty Lead India to a Dominant Position?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a remarkable century, highlighting his growth as a player.
- Shubman Gill showcased his aggressive batting style, marking his first fifty as captain.
- The partnership of 123 runs significantly bolstered India's position in the match.
- India's total of 215/2 at tea indicates a strong start in the Test.
- The performance is crucial as it sets a positive tone for the series.
Leeds, June 20 (NationPress) Opening batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal achieved his maiden Test century on English turf, while Shubman Gill celebrated his first fifty as the Test captain and number four batsman. Their unbroken 123-run partnership for the third wicket propelled India to a robust 215/2 in 51 overs at tea on Day One of the inaugural Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at Headingley on Friday.
Gill exhibited an aggressive batting style, reaching his half-century off just 56 balls, marking his quickest in Tests, and remained unbeaten on 58 off 74 balls. India faced no wicket losses during a session dominated entirely by them.
Jaiswal's unbeaten innings showcased a masterclass in commanding off-side stroke play, effortlessly cutting and driving against England's pace bowlers. From the very first ball of the session, when Gill confidently left an outswinger from England captain Ben Stokes, it was clear that India was poised to excel during this period.
With the Dukes ball losing its hardness and England's bowlers lacking potency, Jaiswal and Gill capitalized on the situation to execute their shots flawlessly. After an overthrow granted him five runs, Gill was exceptional in his drives and flicks off an off-key Chris Woakes.
After a single from Josh Tongue secured his fifty, Jaiswal continued to impress with front-foot drives and back-foot cuts, collecting boundaries with ease.
Following a six over cover against Tongue, Jaiswal greeted Shoaib Bashir with a sliced shot through the off-side for four. Gill then reached his half-century by smashing Tongue through the mid-wicket gap for four. Despite experiencing a right forearm cramp, Jaiswal lofted, slashed, cut, and drove to secure boundaries off Brydon Carse, ultimately completing his century with a single through point, soaking in the applause for his first Test century in England.
Brief scores:
India 215/2 in 51 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 100 not out, Shubman Gill 58 not out; Ben Stokes 1-22, Brydon Carse 1-58) against England