Day 2 of the first Test between India and England at Headingley has begun with India in a commanding position at 359/3. Shubman Gill (127) and Rishabh Pant (65) are at the crease, looking to build on the strong foundation laid on Day 1.
The Indian innings saw a fantastic start with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring a brilliant century (101 off 159), his first on English soil. Jaiswal and KL Rahul (42) had provided a solid opening partnership, mixing caution with aggression. However, England managed to pick up a couple of quick wickets, with Rahul and debutant Sai Sudharsan (0) falling in quick succession, leaving India at 92/2.
This is when Shubman Gill, leading the side in this Test, took charge. Gill and Jaiswal forged a 129-run partnership, with both batsmen displaying contrasting styles. Jaiswal was patient and composed, while Gill relied on his elegant strokeplay. After Jaiswal's dismissal, Rishabh Pant joined Gill and continued the momentum, with an unbroken 138-run stand. Pant reached his half-century in his typical aggressive style, smashing boundaries and a six.
England's bowlers struggled to maintain consistency on Day 1. Ben Stokes was the most successful bowler, but the other seamers, including Chris Woakes, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue, conceded runs at over four runs per over. The English team will be looking to utilize the second new ball, which they took towards the end of Day 1, to make early inroads into the Indian batting lineup. They will aim to dismiss Gill and Pant quickly to prevent India from reaching a massive total.
India, on the other hand, will be aiming for a score of over 400. Gill will be keen to convert his century into a big one, while Pant will look to continue his aggressive approach and put pressure on the English bowlers. The pitch is expected to remain good for batting, and India will want to take full advantage of the conditions.
Sachin Tendulkar has drawn comparisons between this match and the 2002 Headingley Test, where India scored over 600 runs in the first innings with three individual centuries. India will be hoping to emulate that feat and put immense pressure on England. The first hour of play on Day 2 will be crucial, as England will be determined to bounce back, while India will be eager to consolidate their position.
