Day 1 Report: India Make Solid Start Despite Late Wickets in Headingley Test
LEEDS, UK – The highly anticipated first Test of the 2025 Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy between England and India kicked off at Headingley today, with India making a generally strong start despite losing two quick wickets just before lunch. At the close of the first session, India were 92/2, with Yashasvi Jaiswal (42*) and Shubman Gill (who came in after lunch, on 18*) at the crease, after England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and elected to bowl first.
India's Openers Lay a Strong Foundation
Indian openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul defied England's initial hopes of exploiting overcast conditions, putting on a solid 91-run partnership for the first wicket. Both batsmen looked comfortable against the new ball, mixing watchful defense with impressive strokeplay.
KL Rahul in particular played some exquisite cover drives, looking in excellent touch on his way to 42 runs from 78 balls. Yashasvi Jaiswal was equally fluent, striking eight boundaries to reach 42 not out by the lunch break. Their partnership surpassed the previous record for India's highest opening stand at Headingley.
The English pace attack, featuring Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue, struggled to find consistent breakthroughs in the first hour. Captain Ben Stokes also bowled some probing spells, but the Indian openers remained largely unperturbed.
Late Flurry of Wickets for England
Just when it seemed India would go into lunch unscathed, England managed to grab two crucial wickets in quick succession, shifting the momentum slightly.
KL Rahul was the first to depart, edging a delivery from Brydon Carse to Joe Root at slip. His dismissal, on 42, was an anti-climactic end to what had been a superb opening stand.
Debutante Sai Sudharsan, coming in at number three, had an unfortunate start to his Test career, being dismissed for a four-ball duck. He was caught down the leg-side off the bowling of Ben Stokes, leaving India at 92/2 at the interval.
Match Situation and What's Next
At lunch, India's score stands at 92/2 after 25.4 overs. Yashasvi Jaiswal remains unbeaten, while new captain Shubman Gill will be looking to build a substantial partnership in the post-lunch session.
England will be buoyed by the late wickets and will aim to press their advantage with the ball. The pitch at Headingley, while having a tinge of green, has proven to be a good batting surface so far, but the lateral movement off the seam could still pose a challenge.
Day 1 of this Test series is far from over, and with two new batsmen at the crease, England will be pushing hard for more wickets. Cricket fans can expect an intriguing second session as both teams battle for supremacy in this opening encounter of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Brief Scores at Lunch, Day 1:
India 1st Innings: 92/2 (25.4 overs)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal 42*
- KL Rahul 42 (c Root b Carse)
- Sai Sudharsan 0 (c Smith b Stokes)
Bowling:
- Brydon Carse: 8 overs, 3 maidens, 23 runs, 1 wicket
- Ben Stokes: 5.4 overs, 1 maiden, 20 runs, 1 wicket
