Courtesy: BCCI
On Friday, June 20, the first Test of the highly anticipated England versus India five-match series at Headingley in Leeds began in style for Yashasvi Jaiswal, one of the most promising talents in world cricket currently. The left-handed batter, who is 23 years of age, scored an exceptional hundred in his first Test innings in England, reaching the milestone in just 144 balls, to put India in a strong position at tea on day one of the contest.
After being put into bat first by England captain Ben Stokes, the first two sessions of play firmly belonged to Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, who mixed caution with aggression in his innings. He shared an opening stand of 91 runs with KL Rahul, who looked quite impressive with the bat alongside his younger partner, not giving England bowlers any sniff with the new dukes ball under cloudy skies in Leeds.
Yashasvi Jaiswal also brought up his third Test hundred versus England in Headingley
Following the dismissals of KL Rahul and debutant Sai Sudharsan in quick succession just on the stroke of lunch on day one, Yashasvi Jaiswal was joined at the crease by the newly appointed Indian Test captain Shubman Gill. The post-lunch session was a display of quality batting from both Jaiswal and Gill, who matched each other stroke for stroke as English pacers sprayed the ball around from time to time.
After taking down the four-pronged England pace bowling attack, Yashasvi Jaiswal also showed good intent against off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, not allowing him to settle into his spell. The left-hander brought up his hundred after taking a single on the bowling of Brydon Carse just minutes before the tea break while struggling with cramps in his arms.
Yashasvi Jaiswal will now be looking to extend the 123-run unbeaten stand for the third wicket with Shubman Gill, to pile on the misery on England bowlers in the third session of play on day one.
