The highly anticipated five-match Test series between India and England commenced with a bang. In the first Test at the historic Headingley ground in Leeds, Indian opening batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul displayed a magnificent batting performance, creating a significant milestone.
Sports News: The first match of the five-Test series between India and England, taking place at Leeds (Headingley), saw Team India achieve a remarkable feat on the very first day. England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bowl first, but India's opening batsmen, Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul, responded with a stellar start, shattering a 39-year-old record.
Indian Opening Pair Outshines Ben Stokes' Decision
England captain Ben Stokes' decision to bowl first after winning the toss was completely thwarted by the Indian openers. Yashasvi Jaiswal, playing his first Test in England, and the experienced KL Rahul exhibited a superb blend of composure and technique in the first session. The duo put on a half-century partnership for the first wicket, denying England early success.
Breaking the Sunil Gavaskar and Srikanth Record
Prior to this, the highest opening partnership in a Leeds Test for India was held by Sunil Gavaskar and K. Srikanth in 1986, with a 64-run stand for the first wicket. However, on June 21st, 2025, Jaiswal and Rahul surpassed this record, adding over 70 runs for the first wicket and creating a new chapter in history.
This record-breaking partnership is not merely a statistical achievement; it also signifies the confidence and capability of India's new opening pair to perform bly overseas.
First Time Since 2013 a Visiting Opening Pair Dominates in Leeds
This was a special moment not only for India but also for the history of Test matches at Leeds. This is the first time since 2013 that a visiting team's opening pair has achieved a 50+ run partnership at this ground. In 2013, this feat was accomplished by New Zealand openers Peter Fulton and Hamish Rutherford. No overseas opening pair had managed this in the intervening years.
This was the second 50+ run partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. Previously, they had amassed a massive 201-run partnership against Australia in the Perth Test of 2024. This demonstrates the pair's ability to maintain consistency and aggression even in challenging fast-bowling conditions.
