What happened on Day 1 of England vs India, 1st Test? All you need to know

Team India made a strong start to the five-match Test series against England on 20 June 2025. They ended day one of the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, with an impressive score of 359/3 in 85 overs.

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After Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a fine century, newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill and his deputy Rishabh Pant remained unbeaten at the close of play.

England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and chose to bowl first. However, with bright and sunny weather on offer, the decision surprised many former cricketers and fans. The pitch looked good for batting, especially if the openers could survive the early threat with the new ball.

That’s exactly what happened. India got off to a solid start thanks to openers Jaiswal and KL Rahul. The pair added 91 runs for the first wicket in 24.5 overs. Rahul looked in fine touch, playing some elegant drives. But on 42, he fell while attempting another drive as Brydon Carse dismissed him.

At number three, debutant Sai Sudharsan walked in. Many were eager to see how the promising youngster would perform. But things didn’t go his way—he was dismissed for a four-ball duck. Ben Stokes picked up the wicket, and suddenly, India were 92/2.

Shubman Gill smashed his first Test ton outside Asia

Then came Shubman Gill, making his debut as Test captain. He walked in at number four and built a brilliant 129-run partnership with Jaiswal. From the moment he arrived at the crease, Gill looked in complete control. He played some glorious shots and didn’t allow the England bowlers to settle.

Jaiswal also grew in confidence during the stand and went on to reach his century. He eventually got out for 101 off 159 balls. It was a top delivery from Stokes that hit the top of off stump. Even the centurion seemed unsure of how to handle that ball.

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Vice-captain Pant then came in at number five and played in his trademark aggressive style. On just the second ball of his innings, he charged down the track and hit Stokes for a straight boundary. Stokes couldn’t help but laugh at Pant’s fearless shot.

That moment set the tone. Pant continued in the same fashion, and together with Gill, the duo put up an unbeaten 138-run stand by stumps.

Gill remained not out on 127 off 175 balls, registering his first Test century outside Asia. He also became just the third Indian batter to score a century at Leeds while batting at number four. Pant ended the day on 65* off 102 balls and crossed the 3,000-run mark in Test cricket—becoming only the second Indian wicketkeeper to achieve that feat.

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