The highly anticipated five-match Test series between England and India commenced on June 20, 2025, with the first match being played at the historic Leeds ground.
Sports News: The much-awaited Test series between England and India kicked off in Leeds, and on the very first day, Yashasvi Jaiswal's historic batting performance not only captivated the audience but also etched a golden chapter by shattering several long-standing records. When Team India, under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, began their innings, all eyes were on the opening pair of Jaiswal and Rahul. Jaiswal lived up to the expectations completely.
Farokh Engineer's 58-Year-Old Record Broken
Indian batsmen have always struggled on the Leeds pitch, but Yashasvi Jaiswal achieved in his very first match what no one had managed in the previous 58 years. As he surpassed 88 runs, he became the highest-scoring Indian opener in Leeds, breaking Farokh Engineer's record of 87 runs set in 1967.
Second Youngest Indian to Score a Century in England
Jaiswal's magnificent innings was not just a record-breaker but a historic milestone. He completed his maiden century in England in 154 balls. At the age of 23 years and 174 days, he became the second youngest Indian batsman to score a Test century in England. Before him, this feat was achieved by Syed Mushtaq Ali in 1936 at the age of 21 years and 221 days. Youngest Indian Test centurions in England:
- Syed Mushtaq Ali – 21 years 221 days (1936)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – 23 years 174 days (2025)
- Virender Sehwag – 23 years 292 days (2002)
- Vijay Merchant – 24 years 287 days (1936)
First Indian to Score a Century in Debut Tests in Both Australia and England
Jaiswal's performance wasn't limited to England alone. He scored centuries in his debut Test matches in both Australia and England, becoming the first Indian cricketer to achieve this feat. This achievement places him in an elite club of only five batsmen worldwide. Very few players have accomplished this in world cricket.
Having scored a century in his first England Test, Jaiswal now joins the list of legends like Sourav Ganguly (131, Lord's 1996) and Sandeep Patil (129*, Old Trafford 1982). This is not just a personal achievement for him but also an inspiration for future captains on how to prove oneself on foreign pitches.
Stable Start Under Shubman's Leadership
This was India's first Test innings under Shubman Gill's captaincy, and it was brilliantly steered forward by Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul. A 91-run partnership for the first wicket was forged between the two. Rahul played a valuable innings of 42 runs, while debutant Sai Sudharsan was dismissed without opening his account. However, Jaiswal transformed this partnership into a b foundation.
Jaiswal's century was his fifth in the World Test Championship (WTC). He now shares second place in the list of Indian players with the most WTC centuries, alongside Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli. This also indicates that Jaiswal is not just a rising star but is on the path to becoming a long-term mainstay. Indian batsmen scoring centuries in the first innings in England:
- M Vijay – 146 (Trent Bridge 2014)
- Vijay Manjrekar – 133 (Headingley 1952)
- Sourav Ganguly – 131 (Lord's 1996)
- Sandeep Patil – 129* (Old Trafford 1982)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal – 101 (Headingley 2025)
